Make your music work for you!
As a music therapist I get to see music transform people’s lives every day. Music can certainly help parents teach while fostering a loving and positive environment. Keep reading for tips on being aware of how music can shape the mood of your home.
1. Play time – Music can be such a fun part of playtime. Channel your inner child and think “What would they want to hear?” Pick themes (all about monkeys, all about space, farms, etc.) and use them to shape imaginary play. **Also, don’t feel like it has to be all about them, young children can enjoy ALL types of music. Pick some of your favorite songs one day! You should enjoy this time too. Plus, good music makes everything more tolerable.
2. Dance break/Brain break – Having a hard time with homework? Feeling tension and frustrations rising? Maybe you need a “cool down” or a “dance break” song. Whether you need something chill & mellow or upbeat to lighten the mood this is a great way to RESET a restless kiddo and REMIND yourself to loosen up. Give everyone a chance to reset and try again. Pull out the speaker and pick a 3-5 minute song to change the mood.
3. Timer – Music is a natural timer with most songs being anywhere from 3-6 minutes. Instead of using a timer, sometimes use a cleaning playlist. Let your kids help pick the songs so that they have a part in the process. When the music starts, everyone starts picking up the house. When it stops you stop. Using songs can make transitions feel a little less threatening for children, especially children with any anxieties or behavioral issues. Let the music do some of the work for you.
4. Routine– Make playlists! Routines and schedules can be very helpful when transitioning to a new way of living or simply when trying to implement new habits/traditions/etc. How can music make this easier for a family? Children will learn to recognize songs and it can help them understand or predict the structure of their day. For example, with young children, it helps to find a song to sing while preparing for bed, changing diapers, during bath time, before naps, during mealtime, etc.
5. Relaxation– Calming music benefits everyone. Music helps us relax and we should use it during stressful times. We recommend the calm app or making a personal playlist for you and your children.
6. Naptime/Bedtime- If your child has trouble sleeping, use calm, quiet music to help entrain sleep. When the child hears the familiar calming music they will begin to associate that with the comforts of sleep. Be aware of how music affects the atmosphere in your home. When it’s time to settle down, lower and slower is the way to go!
7. Lyrical Book Reading– “reading” an old story with a musical twist can make any book seem brand new! This singing is about sounding fun not pretty. So don’t worry about being perfect; your child will appreciate whatever creative melody you come up with. If your child doesn’t love reading this is also a fun way to encourage creativity while also checking off a book from the homework list! “You sing one page, then I’ll sing one page” etc.
8. Self-Expression- make a game out of healthy communication and sharing feelings. During musical play ask your child, “How do you think mad sounds on the drum/pot/pan etc.? ..Now show me a mad face!” This is a playful way to talk about hard feelings and normalize conversation about emotions.
9. Turn Taking- If sharing is something new to your little one try using music to cue turn taking. When the song changes or the music stops it is time to share.
10. Impulse control– Easy & fun game for little ones, we call it the FREEZE game. Make a playlist of about 10 of their favorite songs. Tell them to dance when they hear music and to freeze when it stops. Play and pause the songs to test out their impulse and listening skills. Add a ball or scarves to change up this game with siblings and friends.
11. Art project– MAKE your own instruments out of household items! Decorate them with ribbons, markers, or tape.
- Shakers- anything with a lid will do, just add dry rice or beans.
- Drums- pull out the tupperware or pots and pans.
- Rhythm instruments- wooden spoons, spatulas, sticks, etc.
12. Theme Song- Make an activity out of writing, chanting, or singing a family theme song. It can be to the melody of your favorite song or you can use a song everyone already knows and loves. This can be a short and simple tune that uses family member’s names and highlights how your family is unique and fun!
13. Distraction- Music can be a great distraction when you are waiting on dinner to cook, in a long line, or finishing a task. Sing a favorite song; even do motions with it. You may get some funny looks in public, but those are way more bearable than the alternative of a toddler meltdown!
14. Live Music- Go to concerts and local musical performances. Many colleges and community centers have free events or low costs for children and families. This is a wonderful way to expose children to music variety while learning to be respectful audience members.
15. Make Memories– At the end of the day any musical activities will help you to make fun and creative memories with your children. TCMT encourages you to sing, dance, and get into the groove with your little ones as a form of bonding. You will find that everyone can benefit from musical moments. Enjoy!