Music Helps to Break the Rhythm of the Daily Grind

Many, if not all, parents are familiar with "the daily grind". Alarm clocks followed by pet spills, grumpy children, spilled orange juice, dishes, laundry, jobs, and WHERE ARE MY KEYS? Throw a baby into the mixture and it's easy to find yourself in the midst of what we know as "the daily grind." Children as well as adults often become frustrated by these daily tasks which surround our lives. Incorporating music into everyday activities can make these normally mundane tasks fun and exciting for any busy family. A major component of the Kindermusik Village class is incorporating routines and rituals into the rhythm of baby's days. A child who normally becomes fussy or challenging during a diaper change will quickly learn a new behavior when a favorite song, nursery rhyme, or simple game is introduced after every changing. Babies learn through repetition and are at a stage developmentally when constant comfort and reassurance is needed. By incorporating this repeating pattern with music and rhythmic patterns, a baby is comforted by knowing what to expect and look forward to at the end of the task. For a slightly older child an excellent way to incorporate music in the daily routine is to use songs which promote self-care. The Kindermusik Our Time Class is centered around the emerging toddler, a child who is experiencing great emotional turbulence and has a strong desire to do things "by myself!" Using songs and vocal plays that teach children how to brush their teeth, pick up toys, and get dressed by themselves give the young toddler a much needed boost of confidence. Still, older children can benefit from the use of music throughout the day. A simple example is making clean-up time, either in the kitchen or bath, by using a song about bubbles! All of a sudden, a task that was a "requirement" is now a joyful expression through music. Parents can find an excellent selection of songs to download and play at home or on the go at http:/play.kindermusik.com. Enjoy the music!