Bring on the music

The benefits of music

Don’t we all love that bit in the film, ‘Love Actually’ when Hugh Grant dances to ‘Jump’ by the Pointer Sisters? In the same way, children can’t stop their bodies from moving to music they love. You will be delighted to learn that music has a massive amount of benefits for your child. Regular singing and listening to music may not only help support the promotion of language, but even help prevent some learning difficulties. Singing also gives our lungs a good old clear out. This has a positive effect on health and well-being, and even makes us more alert.

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What an incentive to sing every day!

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How do we fit music into our busy day?

Music is everywhere.  It sets a mood. Why not use this at home? Play some Mozart after tea. Have some jazz on while you wash up. Play your child’s favourite nursery rhymes during bath time. Intentional music played in this way is not only soothing or fun; it builds your child’s musical intelligence.

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And what about musical instruments? Oh, the joy of a drum!  And oh, the horror for the tired and headachy parent! But there is no other way of putting this – children need musical instruments around them like they need books, toys or people. Musical instruments help build confidence, provide joy and even support your child’s cognitive skills.

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And yes, musical instruments can be viewed as noisy, pointless or irritating. Or all three. Children get overexcited and boisterous. But I would urge you to give it a go! Put your headache aside. Don’t worry about the noise or be concerned about what the neighbours are thinking. Give the children the chance to hit/bang something in time to some favourite music.  Let them loose on a keyboard. Sing back what they play. This has exactly the same effect as them showing you their picture.

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Let them dance. Let them sing. Through a variety of musical activities, you are helping to build up your child’s intelligence and thinking skills and this has long–term positive effects on learning skills. This is extraordinary. Music can help us be more intelligent!

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It’s a lot of gain for a little pain. Try it today!