10 Ways to Add Music to Your Child’s Day
Most likely you know how beneficial music is to your child’s brain. Sometimes, though, as busy parents, we miss opportunities to inject musical moments into our day. Here are 10 easy, free, and seamless ways to make your child’s day more musical.
1. Sing a good morning song
Right as you enter the room, put on your “happy birthday” face (even if it’s 5:30am) and sing a short song. It can be one you know or one you made up. Every morning or after every nap, sing this song.
2. Read books with singing parts
Maybe the book has opportunities for singing built in, or maybe there is a repeated phrase that you add a tune to. Books with rhythmic phrasing, like all of Sandra Boynton’s books, are also pleasing to your little one’s ears. Ask the children’s librarian at your local library for suggestions of books to check out.
3. Make music with household objects
Pots, pans, plastic cups, and spoons - that’s all you need! If your kiddo is still working on fine motor skills like grasping a spoon, you can assist him/her in holding and moving the spoon up and down.
4. Sing a song during diaper changes
By adding music to this mundane activity, you turn it into one of bonding and joy by adding a song! Make eye contact, smile, and sing as you help your little one get cleaned up. Try this one to the tune of “Mulberry Bush”: “This is the way we change your diaper, change your diaper, change your diaper. This is the way we change your diaper, so we can go eat dinner.”
5. Turn on music and have a dance party
Whether you have an Alexa, a recorder player, a CD player (yes, those still exist outside of your vehicle), or a phone, play some fun music and get your groove on. Even if your baby is weeks old, you can still gently bounce, waltz, twist and dip.
6. Point out the music in nature
While you’re outside or on a walk, talk about what you hear: the wind whooshing, the birds chirping, the trees rustling, garbage truck beeping, the dogs barking. Then, imitate the sounds and ask your child to do the same!
7. Play a variety of music in the car
Chances are good you are driving with your child(ren) every day. Mix up what you listen to: Monday, it’s the Frozen soundtrack; Tuesday, it’s The Beatles; Wednesday, it’s Raffi; Thursday, it’s Bach; and Friday, it’s music from the 80s.
8. Sing while you clean up
After playing or an art activity, sing a clean-up song. It makes this less than enjoyable task more fun, and most likely, everything will get put away faster.
9. Seek out opportunities for live music
In your community, there are likely many live music experiences available: kids’ music concerts at the children’s museum, performers at coffee shops, free band or orchestra concerts at middle and high schools, etc. Even library story times include music and sing-along activities.
10. Sing a song at bedtime
Before you say goodnight, use this daily routine to connect and show your love. More so than any other time of day, this is when you want to have a calming, gentle song (and possibly some rocking to accompany the music). Favorites include classics such as “Twinkle Twinkle,” “Rockabye Baby,” and “Hush Little Baby.”