Music For Children

It has been scientifically proven that the brain continues to grow and develop for years after birth, giving parents the opportunity to expose their children to the tools that they need in order to have an analytical and creative mind. One of the best ways to ensure this is to expose a child to music during the first few years of life. Some scientists even believe that brain development can be enhanced while still in the womb, but certainly during infancy, preschool and beyond.

Unlike any other activity, listening to music engages both the left and right, creative and logical, hemispheres of the brain, which research indicates can help in the development of neural pathways, potentially giving children who engage in musical activities an intellectual advantage. In addition to enhancing brain development, there are also other cognitive benefits of listening to music. Stimulating the creative areas of a child’s brain increases their ability to think abstractly and critically, which can set them apart from children who are not encouraged creatively. Additionally, singing along helps enhance verbal skills and dancing can increase coordination.

Kids and music

Children seem to have a natural capacity for music that adults often lack. Anyone who has ever been around a child is sure to have noticed that clapping and swaying to music is among the first milestones a child reaches. Banging on pots and pans is a favorite activity for many children and although this may sound like noise to adults, it is a way for children to express their emotions. Further, many children can be heard singing to themselves as they play, often making up lyrics. Also, words set to music are easier for children to memorize, which is why songs such as the alphabet song are such a great tool for teaching. This is true for many kids’ songs.

Because music is based on rhythm, children who are exposed to music often perform better in mathematics as they age. Similarly, the development of a sense of rhythm can help children perform better athletically. Also, an early interest in music can lead to a life-long passion. Teen-agers and young adults who are active in the arts typically have higher test scores, easier admittance into college, lower instances of drug use and are more successful in business.

The best part about exposing children to music is that it is such an easy and fun gift for parents to give. Listening to kid’s music in the car is a fun way to make travel time pass faster. Singing along is a good time for the whole family. Because music soothes children, they can also listen to music to relax before bed, or naptime or while sleeping at night. Similarly, music can be used as a tool to comfort a distressed child. All a parent needs to do to give their child the gift of music is to put a CD of children’s music in the CD player and hit play. Sometimes that’s a gift for parents too.