When it comes to educating children, a lot of focus is placed on practicalskills like reading and math, which are undoubtedly important. But we shouldraise our children to be well-rounded individuals, and this involves teachingthem forms of creative self-expression. While different kids have differenttalents-some are good at drawing, some can dance well, and some are mosttalented in non-artistic areas-music should be integral to every child's life.And even if your child does not develop into a musical prodigy, it is a goodidea to have cultivate familiarity with the art form.
In addition to enriching a child's life, familiarity with music and learning toplay an instrument help develop crucial areas of a child's brain. In fact,studies have shown that musical proficiency helps children in math, language,learning, and creativity. In general, a child who can play a musical instrumenthas an intellectual edge on one who cannot.
Starting early
You may have heard that playing music for babies, even as early as whenthey are in the womb, can help boost intelligence. In fact, the studies behindthis are mixed and nothing conclusive is known, but there is no denying thathaving plenty of music in the household prepares a child to learn music whenshe is old enough.
During the early months of your child's life, play music whenever your babyis wide awake. And in fact, she may even sleep well if you play some soft musicin the background during sleep times. Play every kind of music that you have inthe house. All will help your child develop familiarity with the diversemelodies, harmonies, and tones that go into music.
Meanwhile, even if you are not particularly musical yourself, it is a goodidea to hum and sing to your child often. She will enjoy it, and it will makeyour household a little more fun and musical.
Introducing instruments
A good way to prepare your child for a musical life is to have musical toysin the house. But you do not have to bring into the household any of thosenoisy, flashy musical toys that you see at the toy store. Even to the mosttolerant parent, some of these noisy toys can be quite annoying. In any case, achild who is interested in music will enjoy even the most tasteful musical toy.Small glockenspiels and keyboards, for example, are great for a start.
While musical toys are fun for children who are still young enough to becalled babies, there is nothing wrong with introducing real instruments asearly as it seems feasible. Many of the great musicians started playing realinstruments at the age of three or four and practiced regularly even at soyoung an age. Of course, you do not need to make your child play or practice ifhe or she does not like to, but do keep in mind the importance of practice. Ifyour child seems musically inclined, you may have to give a little extraencouragement to make sure he or she gets truly develops.
And as soon as your child is old enough to play a real instrument, you mightwant to invest in some lessons. Be careful with this, however, because if yourchild does not truly enjoy playing, lessons can quickly become a chore. Also,it is important to have a good teacher who makes practice fun.
If you do all this and your child does not seem to develop into a talentedmusician, do not let this bother you. Remember that a large portion of musicaltalent is inborn, and some kids simply are not born with it. You can still havea musical household-and who knows? If you continue to make music a central partof your family's life, your child may develop into a late-blooming musicaltalent.
About Jamell: Jamell Andrews authors many insightfularticles on parents and children. She is a firm believer in the many usesof natural remedies for colic.
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