In the previous post, I talked about the positive effects of music for our overall health. In today’s post, let’s focus on kids. For children, their introduction to music begins way before s(he) comes into this world. The moment a baby is conceived, there are waves transmitted to the fetus. When the mother talks or humm or is listening to any music, the baby also feels the vibrations. That is why it is always advisable for the mom-to-be to listen to soothing music. We moms experience the movements of our babies when we listen to different kinds of sounds. The formal introduction happens when they come into the world. Even an infant can differentiate between high and low pitch. Parents often make different sounds to create some instant music. Kids love to play with spoons and bowls. They want to test every utensil’s durability by banging it. Let us see why and how to incorporate music into kids routine.

Even simple games, songs, and back-and-forth play build brain and body coordination. Humans are wired to be sensitive to sound patterns, and this sensitivity allows music to foster communication and imagination in young children. Even before babies talk, their babbling and sound-play help develop the neural pathways necessary for listening and speaking. Infants who hear language directed and responsive to them babble more and have larger vocabularies than toddlers. When they hear and see others singing, young children quickly pick up the habit. They understand that by using sound, they can understand or describe the world around them. When we incorporate music into ids routine, it becomes an integral part of their development.

Related article: How music affect teenagers behavior and emotions

What happens when we incorporate music into kids routine?

• Better vocabulary
• Better memory
• Attention & concentration
• It gives them pride
• Stress reliever

Better vocabulary

Learning and listening to lyrics increase vocabulary on an ongoing basis. Singing practice for children helps to strengthen the lips and tongue through exercise. It also helps them to speak more clearly. Yet another finding from neuroimaging was that even brief musical training results in an increase in blood flow in the left side of the brain. This is thought to result in improved language processing ability.

Better memory

Learning to sing as a child causes the brain to perform multiple tasks at once. This helps to develop the memory: from memorizing lyrics to remembering a cue to start singing, the brain learns to handle more tasks and is required to perform them simultaneously. In addition, singing encourages deep breathing, getting more oxygen to the brain, which helps with natural development, emotional wellbeing, and concentration.

Attention & concentration

Children, when playing an instrument or learning a new song have to focus on the notes and wording to memorize it. Similarly, in singing, children learn the importance of listening and self-discipline to learn their favorite songs. 

It gives them pride

When they can perform any new song, they feel proud of their work. And it gives them confidence. At school, being a part of a group or choir gives them a sense of belonging. It also gives them a chance to make new friends. 

Stress reliever

When an infant cry, we sing a lullaby or play some calming music. And in a few minutes, either the infant either calms down or even falls asleep. For older kids, calming music for kids can help soothe them in anxious times. Researchers at Stanford University found that “listening to music seems to be able to change brain functioning to the same extent as medication.” Luckily, there are many ways to find a playlist whenever you or your child want to hear something soothing. 

How can we incorporate music into our kid’s routine?

For young kids

-Begin your day with some soothing music. 

-Include singing or organize a dance party at home, in their everyday study time. They will love it.

-You can also join them in this fun activity.

For older kids

-Begin the day by playing some soothing music at home. 

-Listen to their favorite songs with them. It’s okay if they do not pick your favorite song. 

-Get at-home karaoke equipment and sing some classic tunes with your kids

-Going on a long-distance drive? Add some car karaoke to entertain them.

Along with these benefits there are some other benefits too like better IQ, better test scores, spatial-temporal skills etc. Music is an essential and important part of a child’s life. You want to make sure that it positively affects them. Faster music can make you feel more alert. Upbeat music can make you feel more optimistic and positive about life. A slower tempo can quiet your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing the day’s stress. In this situation, when things are pretty unpredictable, kids of all ages have a lot to handle. As parents, if we can include this into our family’s routine, it will be a wonderful experience.