Music Makes Children Happy

The benefits of music for children are far-reaching. Research has proven that music has been found to enhance verbal skills and spatial-temporal reasoning. Children who are exposed to music at an early age are developing literacy skills that will propel them into their school years. It is for these reasons and countless others that we continue to provide meaningful musical enrichment for our youth today. While reading an article recently by Karen Wright, I came across an interesting point she made with regards to music and intelligence. "It does not make you smarter, but instead provides you with an ideal environment for thinking." With all the best intentions, dreams and aspirations we may have for our children, it is all but for one culminating event...one happy child.
Far beyond the academic benefits music gives to our children are the emotional benefits that bring out smiles time and again. Music therapy has been used for many years now as a highly effective treatment for depression and also for pain relief. This speaks highly to the many positive benefits music can play in our lives. We now know today that early intervention plays a primary role in developing a happy, healthy, and productive lifestyle. Every parent has a responsibility not only to provide the basic necessities of life, but also create a nurturing environment where a child can feel calm and content, safe and joyful.
Integrating music that children love to hear, whether it's a favorite song from a movie, a song they heard someone play for them, or a mother's tender lullaby, is a simple way to maintain a happy home. Kindermusik provides a wonderful website for families, whether you're enrolled in a class or not. Just go to http://play.kindermusik.com to browse a huge selection of children's music by category and age for download. When stress factors start to arise at home or even in the car, turn on your favorite song and see what happens. Smiles are contagious...go catch one!