Wink: Stories for Better Bedtimes

When Alex loses his mitten in the snow, a line of woodland animals discovers its cozy warmth! From hedgehog to bear, each squeezes in until one tiny mouse causes a big surprise. This charming retelling of The Mitten by Steffani Raff is a delightful winter story and mindful moment is full of humor, warmth, and a gentle lesson about personal space. Hey parents, here are four ways to model safe boundaries at bedtime: 1) Use gesture to create a personal bubble around yourself and your child. 2) Imagine the snow drifting down with your child - you can even point out imaginary snowflakes. 3) Model gently blowing those imaginary snowflakes. 4) Breathe into your hands to show your child how to warm them up with big belly breaths. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by DJ Cromarty. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

Join Cami and her beloved stuffed sloth, Slothy, in a touching story that helps kids cope with sadness, separation, and worry. Perfect for parents seeking emotional regulation tools, mindfulness stories, and calming bedtime content. This gentle adventure teaches children resilience, connection, and deep breathing techniques—ideal for family routines, early childhood development, and soothing anxious little hearts. Hey parents, here are four ways to enjoy the story at bedtime: 1) Join in the hug your child is prompted to give. 2) Gently point to each body part as it is mentioned. 3) Model deep breathing for your child. 4) Take a nice big breath and say AHHHH at the end of the body scan. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by DJ Cromarty. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

A joyful story inspired by a Japanese folktale about sharing, kindness, and mouse-sized magic. Join storyteller, Steffani Raff for songs, laughter, and mindful moments that help kids relax, imagine, and remember that kindness always rolls back to you. Hey parents, here are four ways to have fun at bedtime: 1) Wiggle your nose, roll your arms and make your best squeaky laugh with your child. 2) Sniff the air like a little mouse with your child. 3) Model the circle breathing technique for your child so they understand it. 4) Show your child how to tap their cheeks. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by DJ Cromarty. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

Plip! Plop! — is a reimagined folktale from Tibet. When a family of rabbits mistake a falling apple for a scary monster, they learn an important lesson about imagination, bravery, and mindfulness. Perfect for parents seeking bedtime stories that teach emotional regulation, deep breathing, and self-soothing. Listen, laugh, and learn simple ways to help your child stay calm and confident when something feels scary. Hey parents, here are four ways to connect at bedtime: 1) Model for your child how to make the apple with one hand and pull it with the other. 2) Give your child a bear hug when prompted. 3) Show your child how to do a bunny breath. 4) Listen to different sounds together in your child's room and label what each sound is (if you don't hear anything make up sounds like pretend snoring). For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by DJ Cromarty. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

In Gizmo’s Magic Words, we meet Gizmo the otter — a lovable little collector of rocks and shells (and one red sneaker). When Gizmo loses his favorite rock, his mama teaches him a simple song with powerful “magic words” that help an overwhelming mess turn into pride in a job well done. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to calm a busy mind at bedtime: 1) Encourage your child to squeeze their favorite thing when prompted. 2) Encourage or model for them how to release the tension of squeezing. 3) Model bubble breaths for your child (you can even have a bubble wand one night). 4) The next time you clean up sing the song together and model for your child how to pick up one thing and put it in it's place. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by DJ Cromarty. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

In Spider’s Gift, a humble spider longs to honor baby Jesus like the other animals in Bethlehem. When danger arises, her delicate web becomes a miraculous shield, protecting the Holy Family. This heartwarming Christmas legend celebrates love, faith, and the unique gifts we all have to share. Hey parents, here are 4 calm ways you can think about the 1st Christmas: 1) You can make hand signs for each of the animals mentioned as your child hushes them. 2) You can hush the animals with your child. 3) You can wrap your child up like the baby Jesus when prompted. 4) You can talk to your child about what gifts they have to give. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by DJ Cromarty. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

In this Hanukkah story, The Candle Maker, young Ezra learns the meaning behind making candles with his mother — and the miracle of sharing light with others. As Ima tells the ancient story of the Maccabees and the Golden Menorah, Ezra discovers that every act of kindness can make the world a little brighter. Perfect for families celebrating Hanukkah, teachers exploring Jewish traditions, or anyone looking for a peaceful bedtime story filled with warmth, courage, and connection. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to Explore Hanukkah: 1) You can show your child a picture of a Hanukkah, the special candle stick, to help them visualize it. 2) You can light a candle and let your child blow it out with their breath. 3) You can give your child a hug when prompted. 4) Practice breathing with your child. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by Taehyeon Ted Kim and Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson. SPECIAL THANKS to Adam Booth who consulted Wink on this episode.

In this laugh-out-loud children’s story, Too Many Owls by Steffani Raff, a well-meaning wizard just wants a little peace and quiet—but every spell he casts only brings more hooting owls! With playful sound effects, silly spells, and plenty of “whoo whoo” fun, Too Many Owls is a family-friendly story podcast parents will love sharing with their little listeners that gently helps listeners understand the power of being grateful for what you've got because it could always be worse. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to Feel Gratitude at Bedtime: 1) Imagine one good thing in your life and whisper it to your child. 2) Ask your child who they imagined when prompted. 3) Model an owl breath for your child. 4) Gently touch your child's arms every time you hear the word "tingley" to emphasize the feeling of gratitude. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by Taehyeon Ted Kim and Kiplin Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

Join a talkative little turtle on a sky-high adventure with two friendly geese! “The Talkative Turtle” was inspired by a folktale from India. It's a fun story that shows kids the joy of talking—and the wisdom of knowing when to be quiet. Includes an interactive mindfulness game perfect for curious minds and family listening time. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to Practice Listening at Bedtime: 1) Hide your head like a turtle with your child or help them to do it. 2) Point out things of the color mentioned with your child. This is a great grounding activity you can do anytime your child needs a reset. 3) Model breathing in and out through your nose for your child. 4) Listen quietly and see how many sounds you can name around you. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by Taehyeon Ted Kim. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

In Montgomery the Monster, a little monster learns to face his fears. There’s a big party and Montgomery wishes he could be invisible like Larry but when he makes a mistake he finds out he isn’t the only nervous little monster, and makes a friend. This playful story encourages bravery, friendship, and self-kindness—helping children build confidence in social situations and calm anxious hearts. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to Beat Anxiety at Bedtime: 1) Do the little dance with your child and hold your fists tight - this is a pressure and release activity. 2) Model doing the deep breaths with your child. 3) Repeat the affirmations with your child. 4) Ask your child what their brain says to them when they go to parties or other big events. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by Kip Merrill and Taehyeon Ted Kim. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

When three silly goats refuse to listen, Johnny and his animal friends try everything to bring them home—until a tiny buzzing bee proves that even the smallest can be mighty. Filled with giggles, repetition kids love, and a mindful “bee breath” activity at the end, this story is perfect for bedtime, car rides, or calming little listeners down. Connection Tips for this episode: 1. Stretch big like a bear with your child. 2. Curl your body up small like a bee with your child. These gentle movements help your body calm down. 3. Model the bee breath for your child. 4. Say the affirmations with your child. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories 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 by DJ Cromarty and Ted Taehyeon. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson. It's time to discover a better bedtime. A story, a mindful moment, and a chance to connect--all designed to calm busy minds and busy bodies. Join host Steffani Raff for a new story every Monday. Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free.

Every parent knows the struggle of grumpy days—when nothing feels right and bedtime feels impossible. In "The Grumpy Firefly" by Steffani Raff, Freddy the firefly has one of those days. From sticky spiderwebs to noisy squirrels, everything goes wrong, and he just can’t find his glow. But with a little laughter, and a good friend Freddy learns how to let go of his stress and shine again.With humor, relatable mishaps, and a simple guided breathing exercise, this episode will help your little one transition from grumpy to glowing. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to help your child beat the grumpies: 1) Make a grumpy grunt with your child. 2) Flash a light on and off like a firefly or imagine the fireflies with your child. 3) Model breathing in peace and saying goodbye to stress. 4) Sweep your arms gently across your body alongside your child. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories 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 by Ted Taehyeon. Music by Kim Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

During a winter hibernation, Little Bear Cub can't fall asleep. Curious about the snowy world outside, he wakes up Mama Bear and explores the wonders of winter for the first time—chasing hares, slipping on ice, and asking endless questions about snow, frozen lakes, and missing berries. After many adventures and a promise of a bedtime story, Little Bear Cub finally falls asleep, leaving Mama Bear wide awake, wondering about all his questions. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to quiet our minds at bedtime: 1) Rub your hands together to warm them just like Mama Bear in the story and at the end of the episode. 2) Repeat the phrase, "Sorry, we're closed. Come back tomorrow," with your child when playing the Question Game. 3) Make up new rounds of the Question Game and take turns playing different roles with your child. 4) Practice breathing with your child and get close so they can sense what deep breathing feels and sounds like. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by DJ Cromarty. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

In this heartwarming bedtime story, join Sarah as she discovers that the “scary” monsters in her closet—Clyde and Mary—are anything but frightening. All they want is a friend! Through dancing, singing, and one very important snowman, this charming tale teaches kids about kindness, courage, and how being different doesn’t mean being scary. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to Build Connection at Bedtime: 1) Draw with your child and imagine having pink or blue skin or horns or something different than you have. 2) Stomp your feet and shake your hands as you model the monster dance for your child. 3) Make a plan to go to a place you've never been in search of new friends. 4) Model the horn breathing for your child. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by DJ Cromarty. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

In this sweet and heartwarming episode, join us for The Cookie Puzzle—a delightful story about a little girl named Abby who’s ready to bake cookies all by herself for the very first time. But when things don’t go as planned, Abby feels like she’s failed... until her mom helps her see the "mistake" in a whole new way. Hey parents, here are 4 ways to Risk Making Mistakes at Bedtime: 1) Can you show or tell your child a mistake you've made and ask for their help? 2) Tap your chest to make the time. 3) Try cooking something new with your child. 4) Breathe along with your child as you pretend to smell the cookies. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by DJ Cromarty. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

“Dancing in the Moonlight” is a calming bedtime tale where a little girl learns to be brave by watching animals dance under the stars. With soft rhythms, mindful breathing, and a heartwarming message, it’s the perfect way to end the day with peace and wonder. Hey Parents, here are four ways to try out new things at bedtime: 1) Say the dance rhythms of the different animals with your child. 2) Dance with your body or fingers just as the different animals dance. 3) Move your neck like Rhino and encourage your child to do the same. 4) Get close to your child when practicing the deep breathing so they can feel and hear what deep breathing feels and sounds like. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by DJ Cromarty. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

In this giggle-filled storytime episode, meet Tiddalick, a little frog, with big thirst! When he drinks up all the water in the Billabong, Kangaroo, Koala, and Emu must figure out how to get it back—without fighting. Will jokes, laughter, and sneezes save the day? Hey parents, here are 4 ways to lighten the mood at bedtime: 1) Make some deep belly laughs with your child as you laugh with big frog. 2) Repeat the different kinds of laughs with your child as you play the laughing game. 3) Yawn and stretch with your child when prompted. 4) Model the breathing technique for your child. Get close to your child when practicing the deep breathing so they can feel and hear what deep breathing feels and sounds like. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by DJ Cromarty. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

Penelope the Porcupine is a heartwarming story about a young porcupine named Penelope who becomes afraid of her prickly quills after one pokes her during a fall. She decides she wants to be "prickle-free" and asks her friends—Rabbit, Bear, and Fox—for help in removing them. Hey parents, here are 4 reassuring ways to explore worry at bedtime: 1) Get close to your child when practicing the deep breathing so they can feel and hear what deep breathing feels and sounds like. 2) Say the affirmations with your child. 3) Squeeze your muscles with your child when prompted. 4) Relax you muscles when prompted and sigh with your child. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by Kip Merrill. Guitar by Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

In The Fairy Godmother Who Couldn’t, young Princess Poppy wishes she could grow up faster — but a hilariously well-meaning, wildly unskilled fairy godmother turns her wish into magical chaos. Through growing legs, runaway hair, and a bird-perching nose, Poppy learns that being little isn’t a problem — it’s part of the magic of who she is right now. This heartwarming, laugh-out-loud tale ends with a gentle mindfulness moment that helps children celebrate themselves just as they are. Parents, here are 4 ways to create a sense of play at bedtime: 1) Stretch your arms and legs out and curl into a ball with your child when prompted. 2) Give your child a hug when prompted. 3) Repeat the affirmations with your child. 4) Make simple magic wands with your child and wave them during the Fairy Godmother's song. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by Kip Merrill. Guitar by Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson

All aboard for a rhythmic adventure in this retelling of The Little Engine That Could. When bigger engines say no, a small blue engine says, "I think I can," and proves that even the littlest of voices can make a big difference. Wooo! Wooo! Parents, here are 4 ways to practice positive self-talk at bedtime: 1) Model positive self-talk by saying something complimentary about yourself and encourage your child to do the same. 2) Model the sign language sign for "train" for your child. 3) Chant "I think I can!" as the train climbs up your arm. 4) Breathe like a train along with your child. For more bedtime connection tips, visit Wink on Youtube, Instagram or Facebook. @ wink-bedtime-stories Wink is a production of BYUradio and is always ad and interruption free. Host: Steffani Raff. Producers: Wendy Folsom, Sam Payne, Brian Tanner and Kay Hendrickson. Post by Kip Merrill. Guitar by Kip Merrill. Social Media: Kay Hendrickson