Music as a Game Changer

I’ve been singing to my daughter since the day she was born.  Disclaimer: I am NOT a singer nor do I claim to be, but music is so heavily tied into memory and behavior management and happiness that I decided to start early.  To be honest, it just sort of happened and now Bianca expects there to be a song for a whole lot of things (my grandmother would be proud).  If we wash our hands or take a walk around the neighborhood, she’ll often ask me to sing ‘the song.”  Yep, the song I made up one day, sung over and over, and it became “the song” for that activity.  Now, at 3, she’s making up her own songs and I’m thrilled.  They help her follow directions, tap or clap to a beat, and let’s face it; they’re just FUN!  So if there’s something you REALLY want your child to do (i.e., clean up their toys, use the potty, wash their hands, take a bath, transition to another activity, etc.), make up a song for it (and pray you remember it).  You will thank me later.  This can be a GAME CHANGER!