Under the Moonlight with Penelope Willis

Penelope willis
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A gentle children's and family podcast by author Penelope Willis, featuring bedtime stories, read-alouds and calming emotional support. About love, family and the small moments that help us feel close, even when we’re far apart. Stories, soft parenting ideas and comforting reflections to settle the heart. If you’re looking for calm connection and warmth, you’re welcome here. We’re under the same moon. Hosted by children's author Penelope Willis, creator of 'Calming Stories for Little People.'

  1. The Words Children Carry | How Our Words Shape a Child’s Inner Voice

    Apr 15

    The Words Children Carry | How Our Words Shape a Child’s Inner Voice

    In this gentle episode of Under the Moonlight, Penelope Willis explores the lasting impact of the words children hear as they grow. From positive affirmation and emotional safety to self-worth, behaviour, and the inner voice children begin to build, this episode reflects on how everyday language can shape a child’s confidence, resilience, and sense of being loved. Perfect for parents, grandparents, carers, and early years educators, this thoughtful conversation is a reminder that the words we use with children do not simply pass by, they stay with them. A calm and reflective parenting podcast episode about kindness, connection, positive language, and helping children feel safe, valued, and enough. If you enjoy this episode of Under the Moonlight, you can also explore the calminig children’s books by Penelope Willis, gentle bedtime stories created to support emotional reassurance, connection, and calm for little ones. www.booksbypenelopewillis.co.uk https://share.google/3YKAOTrn83Q5Ewp8o98Finding88 Music: The wind is inside Music by Aleksandr Katruk from Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/the-wind-is-inside-248915/ The thoughts shared in this podcast are my own, shaped by experience and reflection, and offered in a personal capacity.

    12 min
  2. Bedtime Story for Kids Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea Read Aloud Sleep Story for Children.

    Mar 31

    Bedtime Story for Kids Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea Read Aloud Sleep Story for Children.

    Bedtime story for kids to fall asleep calming sleep story for children toddler bedtime routine story In this calming read aloud episode of Under the Moonlight Podcast, Penelope Willis gently shares her book, Lottie and the Hotel by the Sea, a soothing seaside bedtime story created to help little ones relax, unwind, and fall asleep peacefully. Set in the beautiful seaside town of Whitby and inspired by the real Royal Hotel, this gentle story follows Lottie, a quiet and thoughtful little girl with a big imagination. As she looks out from the hotel window, she begins to notice the changing light, the movement of the sea, and the calm rhythm of the world around her. This story was written especially as a bedtime book to help calm busy minds and support children in settling at the end of the day. It offers a soft and reassuring listening experience that helps children feel safe, relaxed, and ready for sleep. Perfect for bedtime routines, calming anxious children, supporting emotional regulation, and creating quiet moments of connection. Suitable for toddlers and young children aged 2 to 6. This story is written by Penelope Willis, author of Calming Stories for Little People, and is available on Amazon. 👉 Find the book here https://amzn.to/47vBy2f (Affiliate link) The thoughts shared in this podcast are the authors own, shaped by experience and reflection, and offered in a personal capacity. Music: Say Yes to Heaven Music by Calvin Clavier from Pixabay Link: https://pixabay.com/music/say-yes-to-heaven-212491/

    12 min
  3. The Power of a Calm Adult: Lending Children Our Calm.

    Mar 17

    The Power of a Calm Adult: Lending Children Our Calm.

    Helping children regulate big emotions with calm, connection and gentle parenting strategies. In this gentle episode of Under the Moonlight Podcast, children’s author Penelope Willis explores the quiet but powerful role a calm adult can play in helping children regulate big feelings. Young children experience emotions intensely, but they don’t yet have the tools to calm themselves. Instead, they often borrow calm from the adults around them. Drawing on her background in early years and her experience supporting young children, Penelope shares six simple and practical ways parents and caregivers can help children feel safe, supported, and emotionally regulated during moments of frustration, overwhelm, or big feelings. In this calming conversation you’ll discover: • Why children need calm adults in order to regulate their emotions • How slowing down can help settle difficult moments • Why voice tone and body language matter so much to young children • How connection often works better than correction • Gentle ways to support toddlers and young children through emotional storms This episode is ideal for parents of toddlers and young children, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, and anyone supporting children through big emotions. If you're searching for calm parenting strategies, emotional regulation support for children, or gentle ways to respond to toddler tantrums, this episode offers a peaceful and reassuring perspective. 🌙 Find more calming resources, bedtime stories, and parenting support from Penelope Willis at: https://www.booksbypenelopewillis.co.uk⁠ 📖 You can also find Penelope’s gentle picture book Whenever You Miss Me, Look for the Moon here: https://amzn.to/4rq6zvv Amazon affiliate link. Penelope Willis is the author of a collection of soothing children’s books including Oscar and the Whispering Cloud, Elani and the Sea of Light, and Whenever You Miss Me, Look for the Moon, gentle, bedtime stories created to help young children feel safe, calm, and emotionally supported. The thoughts shared in this podcast are the authors own, shaped by experience and reflection, and offered in a personal capacity. Music: Contemplative Soft Piano Musician: MusicLFiles Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6878-contemplative-soft-piano

    11 min
  4. Small Hearts, Big Changes

    Mar 4

    Small Hearts, Big Changes

    Small Hearts, Big Changes In this heartfelt episode of Under The Moonlight Podcast with Penelope Willis, we explore how to help young children cope with change, manage big emotions and feel safe during life’s transitions. From starting nursery or school to family separation, house moves and emotional shifts at home, change can feel overwhelming for small hearts. In this episode, Penelope shares practical and nurturing ways to support children through transition with calm reassurance, emotional connection and steady guidance. You will learn How to support children through change in a gentle and age appropriate way Why transitions can trigger anxiety, seeking extra closeness or big feelings How emotional connection builds resilience in early childhood How bedtime stories and shared reading help children process change safely Simple calming strategies parents can use to ease worry and uncertainty Drawing on her experience in early years education and the themes behind her book The Little Grey Feather, Penelope reflects on how stories can help children rehearse coping, build emotional security and navigate new beginnings with confidence. If your child is struggling with starting school, adjusting to nursery, managing separation anxiety or coping with family change, this episode offers supportive parenting guidance and emotional reassurance. Because even the smallest hearts can move through big changes when they feel held, heard and understood. Visit booksbypenelopewillis.co.uk for calming books and free resources for children. https://share.google/3YKAOTrn83Q5Ewp8o Explore The Little Grey Feather on Amazon https://amzn.to/4ci8zlH This page contains an Amazon affiliate link. A small commission may be earned from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to the reader. The thoughts shared in this podcast are the authors own, shaped by experience and reflection, and offered in a personal capacity.

    11 min
  5. When Bedtime Feels Hard: Gentle, Practical Ways to Help Children Settle

    Feb 17

    When Bedtime Feels Hard: Gentle, Practical Ways to Help Children Settle

    When Bedtime Feels Hard: Gentle, Practical Ways to Help Children Settle Bedtime can be one of the hardest parts of the day for parents. If your child struggles to fall asleep, wakes frequently, seeks extra closeness, or finds bedtime emotionally overwhelming, you are not alone. In this gentle, calming episode of Under the Moonlight with Penelope Willis, we explore why bedtime can feel so hard for young children and parents alike, and most importantly, what truly helps. This episode is packed full of practical, proven bedtime tips that parents can use straight away, shared in a calm, reassuring way. Drawing on years of early years experience and real family life, Penelope gently walks you through simple, effective strategies that support better sleep and emotional security. You’ll hear guidance on: • Why predictability and routine help children feel safe at bedtime • How daytime movement, outdoor play, and physical activity affect sleep • The calming power of warm baths and gentle evening transitions • Why a small bedtime snack can make a real difference • How shared story time supports emotional regulation and settling • Using a calm, hushed voice and stillness to help children unwind • Supporting children who seek extra closeness at night • Why sleep difficulties affect the whole family, and why that matters This episode is especially for parents who feel exhausted, unsure, or worried about bedtime struggles, and need reassurance alongside genuinely useful advice. Everything shared here is offered as gentle suggestions, not pressure. There is no “perfect bedtime”, just small, supportive changes that help children feel safe, soothed, and ready for rest. If you enjoy listening to this episode and would prefer to read about this topic, there is a companion blog available on Penelope’s website covering the same ideas in written form. You can also explore Penelope’s collection of calming picture books, thoughtfully written to support bedtime, reassurance, and emotional connection for young children. 🌙 Companion blog and calming books available here: 👉 https://www.booksbypenelopewillis.co.uk Thank you for being here. The thoughts shared in this podcast are the authors own, shaped by experience and reflection, and offered in a personal capacity.

    8 min
  6. Empty Nest, Full Heart: Finding Pride, Connection, and Purpose When Children Leave Home

    Feb 3

    Empty Nest, Full Heart: Finding Pride, Connection, and Purpose When Children Leave Home

    When children grow up and leave home, parenting doesn’t end, it changes. In this gentle, supportive episode of the Under the Moonlight Podcast, children’s author Penelope Willis explores what it really means to live with an empty nest and a full heart. This episode is for parents whose homes feel quieter than they used to, and who are learning how to hold pride, love, and tenderness all at once as their children build lives of their own. Drawing on personal experience of sons moving away for university, living abroad, and starting new chapters, Penelope talks honestly and reassuringly about: navigating the emotional shift of empty nest life staying connected with adult children who live far away embracing new routines, new families, and new normals finding comfort, purpose, and pride as parenting changes shape understanding that love doesn’t shrink with distance, it expands. This episode offers calm encouragement, gentle perspective, and practical emotional support for parents adjusting to life after children leave home. It’s not about loss, it’s about growth, connection, and learning how to love from a little further away. If you’re searching for comfort around empty nest feelings, parenting adult children, or how to stay close when children live elsewhere, this episode is here to sit with you quietly and remind you that you’re not alone, and that you’ve done something very right. You can also read a gentle companion blog post to this episode, Empty Nest, Full Heart, on my website, where I explore these thoughts in a little more depth. Empty Nest, Full Heart. When Parenting Changes Shape. / Under the Moonlight - Comforting Stories Blog | Books by Penelope Willis https://share.google/3OYlNR7QG7ZS7Xl2V The thoughts shared in this podcast are the authors own, shaped by experience and reflection, and offered in a personal capacity.

    9 min
  7. Oscar and the Whispering Cloud | A Calming Bedtime Story for Children

    Jan 21

    Oscar and the Whispering Cloud | A Calming Bedtime Story for Children

    Oscar and the Whispering Cloud is a gentle, calming bedtime story read aloud in a soft, soothing voice, like a lullaby in story form. Perfect for listening together with your little one, this relaxing children’s bedtime story helps create a peaceful bedtime routine and a sense of safety and comfort at the end of the day. With slow, reassuring language and a dreamy, calming tone, it’s ideal for winding down before sleep. This episode is especially suited for: Toddlers and young children Sensitive or anxious little ones Children who struggle to settle at bedtime Parents looking for a calm, gentle story to share at night Oscar and the Whispering Cloud is a comforting story about reassurance, love, and feeling safe, making it a beautiful choice for bedtime, rest time, or quiet moments together. Many parents also find it deeply relaxing to listen to alongside their child. A perfect bedtime story for children aged 2–6, designed to soothe busy minds, slow breathing, and gently guide little listeners toward sleep. Written and read by Penelope Willis, author of calming stories for little people. Also available as a beautifully illustrated children’s bedtime story book https://amzn.eu/d/6lLRovO The thoughts shared in this podcast are the authors own, shaped by experience and reflection, and offered in a personal capacity.

    10 min
  8. Helping Your Child Settle After Christmas: Why They Seek Extra Closeness

    Jan 6

    Helping Your Child Settle After Christmas: Why They Seek Extra Closeness

    After the excitement of Christmas, many young children seek extra closeness, feel more emotional, or struggle to settle back into routines. This can feel worrying for parents, especially if things felt settled before the holidays. In this gentle episode of Under the Moonlight Podcast, Penelope Willis explores why post-Christmas emotional wobbles are so common, what children are really communicating when they seek closeness, and how calm, consistent connection helps them feel safe again. A reassuring listen for parents of toddlers and young children navigating emotional shifts, separation worries, and routine changes after Christmas. If your child is missing someone right now, Whenever You Miss Me, Look for the Moon is a gentle bedtime story about love that stays, even when someone is far away. 🌙 Whenever You Miss Me, Look for the Moon is available as a picture book here: www.booksbypenelopewillis.co.uk & Amazon https://amzn.eu/d/75dW5a1 The thoughts shared in this podcast are the authors own, shaped by experience and reflection, and offered in a personal capacity.

    6 min
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About

A gentle children's and family podcast by author Penelope Willis, featuring bedtime stories, read-alouds and calming emotional support. About love, family and the small moments that help us feel close, even when we’re far apart. Stories, soft parenting ideas and comforting reflections to settle the heart. If you’re looking for calm connection and warmth, you’re welcome here. We’re under the same moon. Hosted by children's author Penelope Willis, creator of 'Calming Stories for Little People.'

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