makingmusic4life

Singing to your children is one of the greatest gifts you could give them.

Young infants will vocalise all kinds of wonderfully melodic babbling, gurgling and cooing sounds to emotionally connect and communicate with their caregivers, well before they learn to speak. It is so important for a child’s vocal development for adults to echo or mirror back their musical vocalisations, usually characterised by high pitched, repetitive, gliding sounds, even if you don’t think you can sing! This will encourage a child’s vocal range to develop to its full potential (which is extremely broad when they are young) and prepare them for later development in music and speech.

Singing gentle lullabies can also soothe your child and provide safety, comfort and reassurance, especially when accompanied by rocking, touching, rubbing, smiling, warmth, and cuddling.

Toddlers and preschoolers love playsongs, which are fun and engaging to them, such as nursery rhymes which involve tickling, or finger plays or actions, and familiar theme songs from TV/movies. Making up songs on the spot about what they’re doing is even better! It can validate their learning experiences and reinforce desirable behaviours.

Singing for your little ones is ultimately all about the love, not about how in tune you are, and can contribute to your happiness as well as your children’s well-being by:

• Reducing stress
• Enhancing mood
• Providing an outlet for the expression of feelings
• Reducing anxiety
• Promoting relaxation

Give it a try! You have absolutely nothing to lose!