Beyond the Lullaby
The Benefits of Song
Provided by the ICPA
Singing with your children is a tool that can increase ease and joy. Song can offer a combination of connection and redirection, which can soothe a difficult moment. It is a form of creative expression, and, like other art forms, it offers ample room for individuality. You may include a song in anticipation of a transition or during a non-preferred activity. Taking a step back, we see that rhythm is all around us and within us, and using song brings it to the forefront. Even the youngest children can respond to rhythm. You may find it helpful to use the same songs at certain times of your day to reinforce your daily flow. Songs can offer a gentle cue and, at times, may be better received than words in the same situation. Even humming the tune can shift a difficult moment.
Once you open yourself to this possibility, you might find that songs you already know jump to the top of your mind. It might be helpful to start collecting songs. Try adding one song at a time and using it regularly for about a week or two. Building your repertoire will allow you to call upon beloved favorites as well as add new and interesting tunes.
There are several ways you can begin building your song library to use with your children. In our home, songs may appear in response to what is happening around us. With the onset of rain, a gentle “Pitter patter, pitter patter, listen to the rain… ” When it is time to clean up, “I’ve been working on the railroad… ” During nail clipping, “5..4..3..2..1.. Blast off another rocket ship run. ” If encouragement is needed to take off a shirt, an enthusiastic “ … hands up baby hands up give me your heart… ” might do the trick.