4 Musical Methods that are Helping Moms Have Great Days

Here is a great article a fellow Music Therapist has on her sight. I thought I would share this and give recognition to another valuable site!

4 Musical Methods that are Helping Moms Have Great Days

There are moms out there who are averting meltdowns today! There are moms out there who are watching their child learn skills and enjoy doing it!

These tips below are designed to help you experience the great days that those moms are having!

One of the wonderful things about music is that is travels. You can have CDs, MP3 players, small instruments, and your voice! An excellent way to help music travel is to use it throughout your day so that your child become accustomed to its presence, as well as benefits from it’s naturally soothing effects on their sensory system!

Here are a few ways to incorporate it:

1.   Songs for daily events: Have music that plays during wake up, getting dressed, and any other standard events. It can be classical music, some of your child’s favorite popular tunes, or some songs that address skills necessary for getting ready in the morning. Having these songs signal the beginning of an event will ease the transition from one activity to another, and decrease the occurances of “Okay Jimmy, it’s time to…”.

2.   Songs while driving that teach skills: I am not a mom myself, but I do know a lot of moms, and I know that long drives (and short ones!) can be difficult! Why not use this opportunity to add to your arsenal a few CDs that will help your child grow, learn, and develop necessary skills! You can sing along with your child as they recite their ABC’s, order of clothes to put on, colors, and a variety of other things. Just be sure to have your own musical collection on standby for once you are alone in the car. I have a huge list of recommendations! If you are interested, just e-mail me back and I’ll get it to you!

3.   Songs for tasks: Brush, brush, brush your teeth! Adding a song to a commonly performed task like brushing your teeth, combing your hair, cleaning up, tying your shoes (the list goes on), will not only help motivate your child to perform these tasks, but they can also aid in building motor skills, thorough completion of the tasks, better comprehension of the tasks, and also build motor function and internal rhythm (try to brush your teeth while humming that song and see if you can brush faster or slower, it’s hard!).

4.   Songs during transitions: Transitioning from one activity to another is one of the most difficult times for children. This is when the outburts and tantrums happen! Preparing your child for these transitions musically can help make things much easier. For example, you can designate a particular song for when it’s time to clear the crayons from the table and eat lunch! Make sure that it is a song your child enjoys, and practice doing this with them for a few days until they get the hang of it!
Did you like these methods? Are you hungry for more? Check out my individual and group therapy sessions if you are near Columbia, SC. Out of town? Check out my Consultation services!

Thanks!
Natalie Mullis, MT-BC
http://www.keychangesmusictherapy.com