The Non-Singer's Guide to Sharing Music With Your Child

Ahh... the sound of music. No, not the beloved and famous movie starring Julie Andrews, actual music notes being played from instruments or sung by voices. I have always loved hearing and making music. There is nothing that brightens and lifts the spirit more than the strains of a song drifting throughout our home.

It is important for parents to make it a point to encourage and nurture their child's exposure to the world of music. Introducing your child to music and song encourages their interaction with others, and inspires creative expression. It gives wing to their imagination, and can help in their development. But if you consider yourself a non-singer or never took piano or other instrumental lessons yourself, you may be reluctant to share the world of music with your little one.

A parent's voice is the first musical "instrument" a child hears. One of the easiest things a parent can do from the moment you bring your newborn home is to sing lullabies. Sing with lullaby CD's or hum to classical music. You'll soon find that your baby has a favorite song even when they are very young. Once your baby becomes a toddler, it's great to sing and dance with your child to silly songs, particularly action songs.

You may feel silly breaking out in that "sing-song tone," but with a little tweaking of lyrics to songs you enjoy, adding some rhyme and movements, and you'll find you both enjoy the experience. For example, short song jingles, such as "may I have some milk now, please?" and "thank you oh so very much" or "David now it's time for bed" to the tune of "London Bridge is Falling Down." will quickly grab their attention and motivate them to do what you would like them to do!