Advertise on podcast: Wink: Stories for Better Bedtimes

Rufus the bear knows he wants something, but everywhere he goes the birds, squirrels, fish, deer, and bunnies take one look at his teeth, claws, and great big bear body and run away as fast as they can. One little bunny stays behind, watches Rufus carefully, and realizes that underneath all that big, furry, ferocious bear is someone who is sad and lonely. When Rufus whispers, “I want a hug,” Bunny finds her courage, wraps her tiny arms around his gigantic belly, and discovers that sometimes the biggest, scariest-looking creatures just need a little love. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Model wiggling your nose like a bunny. 2.) Show your child how to do the bunny breath. 3.) Do the big bear breath with your child. 4.) Follow the directions for the great big hug. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner, Kay Hendrickson, and Roman Russell. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Gracie Davis. Music by Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

Little Kitten loves yarn, sunshine, and naps—but most of all, she loves Mama Cat and does not want her to leave. When Little Kitten worries Mama might never come back, Mama teaches her a song and ties a string around her paw to remind her they are always connected. A sweet, funny story about separation anxiety, big feelings, and learning that love keeps us “tied at the heart.” Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Draw the string in the air from your child's heart to yours. 2.) Put your hand on your heart. 3.) Model how your belly moves with breath but your hand on heart doesn't. 4.) At the end make the gesture of your hearts being connected again. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner, Kay Hendrickson, and Roman Russell. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Gracie Davis. Music by Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

Two royal twins eagerly follow a mysterious magician and are transformed into storks after ignoring one important warning. When a fit of laughter makes them forget the magic word, they discover how paying attention, thinking for themselves, and remembering what matters can save the day. This playful retelling of a folktale is filled with humor, adventure, and a satisfying twist that kids will love. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Stretch out your legs with your child. 2.) Flap your arms like wings with your child. 3.) Model how to make your hand look like a beak. 4.) Model how to do the breathing exercise for your child. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner, Kay Hendrickson, and Roman Russell. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Gracie Davis. Music by Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

In this playful retelling of an Aztec folktale, Little Lizard wakes up to find that the sun has disappeared, and even though everyone else gives up, he keeps searching. When he finally finds the sun asleep inside a rock, Little Lizard brings all the animals together to help wake him up in the best way they can think of: with music, dancing, and a party. This story is a sweet reminder for children that even the smallest voice can make a big difference when it refuses to give up. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Imagine with your child. You could even use a heating pad if you want. 2.) Model long deep breaths for your child. 3.) Stretch with your child. 4.) Show your child the tapping motion as prompted. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner, Kay Hendrickson, and Roman Russell. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Gracie Davis. Music by Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

Glimmer is a unicorn who notices all the little amazing things around her, and every time she feels that bright happy wonder, her horn glows. At first the other unicorns think something is wrong with her, but when Channing finally slows down long enough to watch a moonflower bloom, his horn starts glowing too. Soon all the unicorns of Eidleweisse Mountain rediscover that the magic was there all along—they had just forgotten how to notice it. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Imagine the unicorn horn with your child. 2.) Talk about what you saw in your mind. 3.) Ask your child what they saw. 4.) Model the breathing with your child. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner, Kay Hendrickson, and Roman Russell. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Gracie Davis. Music by Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

Frog loves to boing and bounce, and Snake loves to ssslow down and be still—and when they try to play each other’s way, it’s kind of a hilarious disaster. They each think maybe they need a different kind of friend… until the quiet feels too quiet and the bouncing feels a little lonely. When they come back together, they discover something just right: Frog helps Snake feel alive, Snake helps Frog feel calm, and somehow their opposite songs fit together perfectly. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Wiggle your toes with your child. 2.) Model being still with your child. 3.) Do the breathing exercise with your child. 4.) Keep the stretch and snuggle soft and calm by modeling it. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Gracie Davis. Music by Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

Four wizards were so busy proving who was the best that they didn’t notice they’d made a tiger… and the tiger was hungry. While the others kept arguing, Barnaby Boxer Shorts paid attention, tossed one little acorn, and saved them all in a flash of humming, thrumming magic. After that, the wizards decided it’s a whole lot better to use your magic together than to fuss about who is the greatest. Hey parents, here are 3 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Model how to do a Cat Cow Yoga stretch. 2.) Actively listen to the magical sound with your child. 3.) Model the breathing activity for your child. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, Gracie Davis, and Gabriella Zuniga. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

Blurtle and Gorpington are two heads of one monster, but Blurtle can’t stop blurting out every single thought that pops into his head, which drives Gorpington crazy. When their class plans a surprise birthday party, Blurtle tries really hard to keep the secret—but ends up ruining it anyway. In the end, he realizes his words can hurt people, apologizes, and keeps practicing how to think before he speaks. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Be playful about imagining a thought and not sharing it. 2.) Practice the breathing technique with your child. 3.) Say the affirmations with your child in a "monster" voice 4.) Give your child a "monster" hug For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Gracie Davis. Music by Trent Reimschussel and Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

EmmyLou is getting ready for her very first day of school, and because anything could happen, she packs her backpack with all sorts of very important “just in case” things, even an extra shoe. Her backpack gets so big and lumpy it can barely zip, but EmmyLou feels ready for anything. By the end of the day, she realizes she didn’t need most of it but there were a couple of things she brought that helped her me a good friend. This story is perfect for kids who are nervous to start school (or just want a giggle). Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Do the breathing exercise with your child. 2.) Tell your child about a time you were nervous but ended up being okay. 3.) Share what image you nervous feeling looked like. 4.) Ask your child what their nervous feeling looks like. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, Gracie Davis, Gabriella Zuniga and Adam Wells. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

Elephant woke up on a beautiful jungle day wishing he had a friend, but every animal he tried to greet got scared and ran away because he was so big. When a tiger jumped out to grab Pig, Elephant charged in to save him, and that’s when everyone finally saw that he wasn’t scary at all, just lonely and kind. By the time Elephant reached the watering hole, he had Pig beside him, monkeys on his back, mice on his tail, and more friends than he had ever dreamed of. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Listen to the jungle sounds with your child and whisper the answers. 2.) Gesture having a long elephant nose. 3.) Model the breathing technique for your child. 4.) Praise your child for making their body feel heavy like an elephant. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Layla Bergstrom. Music by Trent Reimschussel. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

Cat and Mouse make a big batch of Snickerdoodley Cinnamon Sugary Yummy Yum Yum Cookies, but while Cat naps, Mouse keeps sneaking tiny nibbles… until there are none left. When Cat discovers the empty jar, Mouse feels small and shaky—but chooses to tell the truth and make things right. With a fresh batch of cookies, and a warm hug they remember that everyone makes mistakes—and friends can always try again. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Invite you child to smell cinnamon. 2.) Model the breathing exercise with your child. 3.) Actively listen to the cat purring with your child. 4.) Make Snickerdoodle cookies with your child (but not at bedtime). For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Gracie Davis. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

A curious girl who longs to see beyond her hill secretly rides a mysterious mechanical horse that transforms into a magical flying companion. Together, they journey into the sky where she bravely plucks a star and fills it with love to heal a sick boy far away. In the end, after seeing wonders across the world, she discovers that home is the most wonderful place of all. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Draw a star in the air above your child to help them visualize it. 2.) Model the breathing for your child. 3.) Do the tapping with your child. 4.) Tap your fingers lightly on your child's face like star dust. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, Gabriella Zuniga, and Adam Wells. Music by Trent Reimschussel. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

A little monkey with big stories falls overboard in a storm and is rescued by a gentle dolphin, who listens patiently as the monkey invents silly stories about being the “King of the Monkeys.” As they travel to shore, the monkey slowly admits the truth: he isn’t important or famous, he just wants to be liked. This sweet, humorous story reassures children that they are lovable not because of status or performance, but simply because they are themselves. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Model for your child what it looks like to go from jumpy monkey to calm dolphin. 2.) Model the dolphin movement for your child, keep it calm. 3.) Model the breathing technique for your child. 4.) Say the affirmations aloud with your child. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Layla Bergstrom, dand Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

Caden and Johnny start out arguing because one wants to play superheroes and the other wants to play pirates, but everything changes when Johnny’s treasure map blows away and they have to work together to get it back. As they race after the map, their two different play ideas blend into one big adventure full of pirate ships, villains, superhero rescues, and laughter. In the end, they discover that being a good friend sometimes means making room for both imaginations in the same game. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Pretend to rock side to side with your child like you are on a pirate ship. 2.) Model the super hero breath for your child. 3.) Tell your child about a time that something like this happened to you. 4.) Praise your child for a time they made room for 2 ideas in a game or activity. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Gracie Davis. Music by Trent Reimschussel. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.

In this reimaging of a Chinese folktale four playful dragons hear the people crying on land for rain so their crops can grow. They are hungry and need rain. The dragons stop playing and carry water from the sea and release it as rain. But the rain isn’t enough to last. So the dragons choose to transform themselves into rivers. Their gift brings lasting water to the land, ensuring the people never go hungry again. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to build attachment as you listen to the story together: 1.) Hold your child gently while thinking about times you noticed your child helping. 2.) Model the breathing pattern for your child. 3.) Model the relaxation technique for your child. 4.) When the story is done whisper about a time you noticed your child helping someone. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories or on our Substack - Parenting with Wink: Bedtime Stories and Beyond. https://winkbedtimestories.substack.com/publish/post/190425474?back=%2Fpublish%2Fposts%2Fdrafts Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Storyteller and writer: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post Production by Trent Reimschussel, Kip Merrill, and Gracie Davis. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson and Roman Russell.