No matter what age, kids have minds of their own, so gaining their compliance can be exhausting, especially when time is short. Instilling values, teaching safety, and working with children on simple everyday tasks can be especially tough.
Music is a quick, easy, and low-cost way to manage the challenges of raising kids. Music can make every routine better: it is the magic component to directing behavior and attitudes in a constructive, loving way. Music pulls at our neural centers, emotions and bodies. To make a positive difference in the daily life of your family, create your own unique lyrics for each situation and apply them to melodies you already know. Or, make up new songs with your own lyrics and melodies.
Infuse music into simple, often mundane tasks-such as waking, waiting, transitioning, grooming, safety, clean up and bedtime routines. Greet each new day with a song or even a song and a puppet. Continue using the appeal of music throughout the day to both motivate and soothe children.
How to do this?
* When transitioning from one activity to another, introduce an informative, forward-thinking song about what's coming next or play a favorite recording, announcing that you'll be leaving "after two more songs."
* Waiting is hard when you're wired to move (and what kid isn't!). Use finger plays and toe wiggles when forced to wait. These should end with a tickle or cuddle.
* Make washing hair or grooming fun and interactive by accompanying both with a fun song. One little, two little, three little fingernails...
* Teach safety with songs with a steady beat-be sure to be clear and to the point. Emphasize what you want your child to do, rather than the negative.
* Clean-up songs work wonders with all children. Make them extremely simple for younger children and more complex for older kids.
* When arguing between siblings begins, use happy music to reestablish contented moods. Introducing funny words to classical music brings on howls of laughter whether you have toddlers, 'tweens, or teens.
* Make bedtime routines mellow by playing soft, relaxing music. Can't think of any lullabies right now? Holiday songs work wonders. When illness strikes, singing softly while cuddling helps the medicine go down much easier.
Give children plenty of choices in the music they may listen to. This gives them control and encourages them to listen to music on their own. Provide a kid-friendly cassette or CD player and several albums that are just for them.
Musical aptitude and training are not required to create songs and set musical moods for children. With a little enthusiasm and creativity, you're on your way!
For examples of song: click http://www.leahsmusicclass.com/
Mezzo-soprano Leah Lewis, also known as the "Diva la Difference," teaches music & movement classes to children and their parents. She lives in Austin with her husband and young son.
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