Sleep Tight Stories - Bedtime Stories for Kids

Episode: Bernice Doesn’t Want to Eat Cookies 🐻
Date: September 9, 2025
Host: Sleep Tight Media / Starglow Media

Episode Overview

This soothing bedtime story centers on Bernice, a lovable bear cub, as she grapples with a new concern: whether or not she should eat cookies after school. Through gentle, everyday experiences, the episode explores common childhood worries about food and “treats,” balancing what’s good for the body and soul, and highlights the joy found in sharing special moments with loved ones. True to the series’ tone, the story gently encourages thoughtful, healthy relationships with food and family, while providing comforting bedtime routines.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

Bernice’s After-School Arrival (02:12–05:00)

• Setting the Scene: Bernice hurries home after a busy school day, enticed by the delicious smell of Papa Bear’s fresh-baked cookies.
• Bernice’s Mood: She’s excited, but also worried, recalling a classmate’s warning about sugar and feeling uncertain about eating cookies.
• Memorable Moment:

  “Some days I'm extra hungry after school because my brain works super hard. And gym today made it even worse.” —Bernice (05:01)

Confiding in Cookie, Her Cat (05:10–06:30)

• Bernice chatters to her cat Cookie about her confusion: she loves treats but recalls what her classmates said about sugar.
• Notable Quote:

  “I don't know if I should eat cookies anymore... Maybe I shouldn't eat Papa's cookies today at all.” —Bernice (06:15)

Discussion with Papa Bear (06:45–13:30)

• Warm Family Routine: Papa Bear calls Bernice to the kitchen, offering cookies and a special vanilla-nutmeg milk.
• Conversation About Treats:
  • Bernice expresses her confusion and guilt about eating cookies.
  • Papa Bear reassures her, explaining balance and the significance of shared treats.
• Papa Bear’s Gentle Lesson:

  “Cookies are a treat we share while we talk about your day. That's what makes them special. Not every day, but often enough to make it special.” —Papa Bear (08:22) “People often say sugar is bad, but the truth is, your body actually needs sugar. It's the fuel that keeps your brain sharp and your legs running fast. The trick is how the sugar comes.” —Papa Bear (11:10)

• Metaphor for Understanding Sugar:
  • An apple provides “slow” energy (“steady energy”).
  • A cookie is “Zoom sugar—all at once, like whoosh!”—causing Bernice to giggle (11:50).

Relieving Bernice’s Guilt (13:40–14:30)

• Papa Bear assures her treats are occasional and about togetherness, not about always eating “good” or “bad” foods.
• Bernice’s Relief:

  “So I don't have to give up cookies forever and ever?” —Bernice (14:10)
  “Not unless you want to, Little Bear.” —Papa Bear (14:15)

Daily Life and School Chit-Chat (14:40–16:50)

• Bernice discusses her homework load, making relatable comments about schoolwork, friends, and her “study muse” Cookie.
• Light-Hearted Moment:

  “Cookie might help me too. She's like my study muse. Her purring makes my brain focus.” —Bernice (16:30)

Evening Routine & Bedtime (17:00–18:50)

• After dinner (salad, not cookies!), Bernice follows her cozy bedtime routine: shower, teeth, yoga, and picking out comfy clothes.
• She arranges her plushies in bed and calls for her bedtime story.
• Charming Exchange:

  “It's time for a bedtime story!” —Bernice (18:30)
  “Another bedtime story?”—Papa Bear’s voice “boomed” as he came upstairs (18:50)

Papa Bear’s Gentle Story Within a Story (19:05–24:20)

• Papa Bear tells a whimsical tale of Finn, a human boy, and Spark, a pixie—with both sharing the ups and downs of school, homework, siblings, and worries.
• Themes:
  • Everyday challenges are universal, no matter who you are.
  • Unexpected friendships can come from unlikely places.
• Notable Exchange:

  “You know what's funny? ...I was kinda scared when I first saw you. Like, oh no, a human. What do I do?” —Spark the Pixie (22:42)
  “Really? I was thinking the same thing about meeting a pixie.” —Finn (22:48)

• Both characters feel less alone after their meeting—a subtle parallel to Bernice’s feelings earlier.

Nighttime Comfort (24:25–End)

• Papa Bear tucks Bernice in, giving a loving goodnight and sharing affection with Cookie the cat.
• Memorable Goodnight:

  “I love you, Little Bear.” —Papa Bear (24:40)
  “I love you too, Papa.” —Bernice (24:43)

  • Papa Bear quietly says “I love you too, Cookie,” ending the night with warmth (24:50).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Papa Bear’s Sugar Lesson:

  “Cookies aren't bad. They're just special. We eat lots of good foods to help our bodies grow strong, and then we share cookies to enjoy together. That way your tummy and your heart both get what they need.” —Papa Bear (12:15)

• Bernice’s Humor:

  “Zoom, sugar! That's exactly it, Papa. I don't want to be all zoomy and then fall asleep on my homework.” —Bernice (12:30)

• Papa Bear’s Reassurance:

  “That balance keeps our bodies strong and our hearts happy.” —Papa Bear (13:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|--------------------------------------------| | 02:12 | Bernice arrives home; smells cookies | | 05:10 | Bernice chats with Cookie about her worry | | 06:45 | Papa Bear’s kitchen talk—cookies & balance | | 11:10 | Papa Bear explains sugar in foods | | 14:40 | Bernice talks about homework & friends | | 17:00 | Bedtime routine setup | | 19:05 | Papa Bear’s bedtime story | | 22:42 | Finn & Spark’s mutual worries | | 24:25 | Papa Bear tucks Bernice in |

Tone

Gentle, loving, and reassuring. The speakers use simple but expressive language, accessible to kids but deeply comforting for listeners of any age.

Conclusion

This episode of Sleep Tight Stories gently affirms the role of treats within a balanced life and the greater importance of family connection, comfort, and understanding. Papa Bear models compassionate parenting, helping Bernice navigate confusing feelings around food and friendship. The storytelling within the story reinforces that, no matter our size or background, everyone shares similar worries, and that comfort, routine, and kindness are universally soothing—perfectly concluding a calming bedtime story.