Audio Tapes Help Lull Children Off To Peaceful Sleep

FOR THE RECORD (May 14, 1997): Wrong number: The telephone number for information about “Grandma Woof’s Bedtime Adventures,” a sleep-inducing audiotape for children, is 625-3852. The phone number listed in a story in Tuesday’s IN Life section was incorrect.

When he was 4, Logan Selleck had trouble sleeping at night. That is, until he was whisked away into dreamland by Kara Kangaroo.

Kara and other friends, including Mr. Turtle and a mountain lion, came to Logan via “Grandma Woof’s Bedtime Adventures.”

The half-hour audio tape guides children through exciting adventures using visualization and relaxation. It leads listeners on a journey through the imagination and encourages sleep.

The sleep-inducing tape was created by Logan’s grandmother, Ruth Wohlwend-Lloyd.

It’s common for many families to have children who resist sleep at night, said Wohlwend-Lloyd, a state and nationally certified mental health counselor. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology and is a counselor at Clearwater Counseling. She was training in expressive arts therapy when she began making the tape.

After Logan’s success, Wohlwend-Lloyd tried out the tape with other families whose children were difficult at bedtime. Her daughter’s friends asked for copies, and demand grew.

“It makes things easier for families,” said Wohlwend-Lloyd. It allows them to conserve their energies for quality time together, rather than the nightly battle of bedtime, she said.

Generally, it takes about 21 days of consecutive use to form a habit, she said.

Now, Logan falls asleep in about five minutes.

Not only does it put kids to sleep, but they seem to enjoy it.

“Even kids who say it’s ‘too baby’ for them or say they’re too old for it won’t give the tape back (when given the opportunity),” Wohlwend-Lloyd said.

She believes her soothing voice and the “grandma image” offer comfort to children, making them feel safe.

When she realized the positive impact the tapes made, she wanted to continue helping others.

Wohlwend-Lloyd was able to collaborate with Allen Monroe, a student at Spokane Falls Community College. Monroe, 20, had a recording studio in his home and loved the idea of helping out with the project.

Monroe wrote all the background music for the tape, then put it together in his studio.

The master tape is ready, but won’t be available for purchase until the end of June.

Early on in Wohlwend-Lloyd’s career, her goal was to make a positive difference in the world. “The potential this project has is so exciting. I feel blessed for this opportunity (to help others),” she said.

The tapes will be sold for $9.95. Five percent of the proceeds will be given to the Vanessa Beehan Crisis Nursery, and 5 percent will go to the Spokane Child Abuse Network.

For more information on “Grandma Woof’s Bedtime Adventures,” call Wohlwend-Lloyd at 626-3852.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

MEMO: Created in support of the Spokane County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), Discoveries highlights people working to improve community health and well-being. If you have a discovery that deserves recognition, call 742-3660. Or visit their Web site at www.hipspokane.org.