Why is it that I just can’t get enough holiday music? I find myself humming them all day long!
There is something MAGICAL about this time of the year and the music we play. It’s no wonder that this strong connection to music begins at birth- and some would even argue even before birth! As a counselor working with children, I like to implement music whenever I can. You might be surprised at how many benefits there are to exposing your child to music early on. Here are a few off the top of my head.
Music and Movement can:
Increase fine and gross motor skills
Increase vocabulary
Increase listening skills
Enhance attention span, concentration, impulse control, and memory
Give your child an outlet to express feelings (verbally or nonverbally)
Create bonding with parents
AND it can create relaxation and stress relief
So, with that being said, I have asked Bee, a music therapist and singer song writer in New York, to share with us a few songs she has been singing with the children she works with.
Grab some bells and dance along to this song!
This last one is a lullaby and can create calmness and stillness in the home. Great for bedtime routines!
A perfect example of how music has affected a child’s life is in the case of Brynn Jones.
She is delightful 6- year-old who has been diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a developmental disorder that affects the X chromosome. Despite her inability to communicate verbally, she has a strong connection to music, particularly music by the indie folk singer Mindy Gledhill. Her connection is so strong that her mother carries around Mindy’s music wherever they go. In fact, during surgery, the doctors played Mindy over the speaker system to keep her calm- and it worked!
Well, the story gets better because Mindy Gledhill has agreed to play a benefit concert for Brynn in Boise December 16th!
To learn more about Rett Syndrome and the concert with Mindy you can go HERE.
Have fun jingle bell rockin’ this holiday season!
{We’re linking up to these parties!}
Missy says
I can NOT wait for this concert! Mindy LIVE…YES. PLEASE. Don’t you all wish you lived in BOISE!!!
Also LOVING these new songs from Bee – so fun! My kids love music and movement class…especially when we just do it together at home. These songs will be perfect. Thanks for sharing, Cristi and Bee!
Alison says
Oh Bee, I love listening to your voice! It is beautiful. It’s nice to have kids music that is so lovely! My kids keep asking to play you again. Thank you.
Fabulous post!
Mindy says
I do wish I lived in Boise…okay that’s a lie ;)…but I do wish I could attend the concert. I’m sure it will be fabulous! Thanks for the fun songs my kids will love them!
Deidra says
Bianca is one of the most adorable people I’ve ever met. She’s such a sweet woman and the children she works with are so lucky! Thanks for a great post and sharing her suggestions.
teresa says
How awesome is Mindy- sharing this over on my blog.
Happy day
Teresa
stacy says
I LOVe Mindy Gledhill…how I wish I could go to that benefit concert! I have a friend who has a daughter with Rett’s. I love it when there are great events that raise funds. This is so wonderful!
Bianca Merkley says
Thanks so much for the sweet words. You all are too kind, seriously. I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed the kiddie tunes! And for those that live in Boise, I am slightly jealous of you…but also excited about the benefit- it sounds like it’ll be amazing!
nesleirbag says
That sweet, sweet video of Brynn and her mom made me cry, but with joy . That mom gets it! You who have special needs kids know what I mean. Music is the BEST communicator!
Amy says
This article warms my heart! The power of music really is amazing, and I’m glad you’re spreading the word about music therapy.