Music For Children – A Lasting Bond

Baby

oi-Gowri Nandini

By Nandhini Devi

Monday, June 6, 2011, 16:06

All of us find pleasure in one or the other activity. It may be indulging in sports, watching TV, reading books or listening to music. Listening to music is one of the most common ways to relax oneself, irrespective of age or profession. A rickshaw driver enjoys his drive better when he listens to the latest hits. Similarly, a person stuck in a traffic jam, eases his tension while listening to his favorite music. An old man feels nostalgic when he hears to the old tracks he used to listen when he was younger. Music for children is a natural sedative, one that allows them to relax.

There have been multiple studies that have proved that music helps plants grow and it even helps cure diseases. So, if music can do good to a plant or a sick person, imagine what wonders music would do for a child's development or to one who is still in his mother's womb!

Though the opinions of experts vary, there is no negative effect of music for fetus or music for child. Unless of course, the child or fetus is exposed to very loud or harsh music. Some studies indicate that a child who learns music or listens to songs has a better IQ. However, this may not be the same in every child's case.

1. The hearing ability of a child starts developing while he is still in the womb. An increase in the baby's heartbeat is a response to the sounds he hears. However, the baby mostly hears his mother's voice and other noises that occur in his mother's body. Therefore, singing or humming along with the music is a better way to reach your fetus. My child listens more intently whenever I sing a new song, and she insists that I teach it to her too. This way she is learning something new.

2. Soothing music also helps the mother relax, which in turn bears a comforting effect on the child. After the child is born, the same music or sounds help the mother, while putting a fussy baby to bed. On hearing the familiar music, he experiences the same comforting feeling he felt in her womb and has a better sleep. You can also sing songs or play melodious music just before bedtime. Singing baby lullabies has been an age old tradition that is prevalent among various cultures across the globe. This cultivated as a regular habit, ensures that you and your child are totally relaxed before you sleep.

3. Music for children is something that they can enjoy at any time of the day. You too can just sing and sway to the music along with your child. It creates beautiful memories and bonds between you and your child. She can recollect the same moments when she is a mom and connect in a better way with her child too!

4. Music for children can be of any form. It can range from pop, classical, folk, rap, jazz, lullabies or simple nursery rhymes. Learning how to play musical instruments also contributes towards your child's development.

5. You can introduce your child to any type of music. Meanwhile, you can also teach him about musical instruments.

6. If your child has a great voice or is a natural performer, encourage him. Record his songs or performances and replay it to him. Advise him on areas of improvement. You never know, there might be a great star in your child.

The celebrated author, Hans Christian Anderson says 'Where words fail, music speaks'. This is definitely not just another saying. Music can bear a lasting effect on your child's mentality. And, in the process define his personality in a better manner. Music is certainly an essential element in your child's development.