A Natural Connection To Children's Growth And Development

A Natural Connection To Children's Growth And Development

What do grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, places of worship, shopping malls, and automated phone systems have in common? It's music. When you're out and about, almost wherever you go, you will hear some sort of music. It affects how you feel, helps you to relax, or makes you want to move and dance.
Music is a part of life in every country and every culture. Music is used as part of our celebrations, holidays, religious or worship experiences, as well as for pure entertainment. Although no one can quite explain the reason why music has such an important role in our every day lives, it does. Music inspires, soothes, excites, and bonds people of all ages and from all walks of life.
When a baby is born, somehow we know to cradle and sing to him or simply hum a melody while rocking him to sleep. What is a natural instinct for parents to surround their new infant with music and song is also a natural way to start building the brain's connections to growth and learning. Music affects and works on all levels of development: social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
Music and Social Interaction
Music is a natural connection tool. It brings people together and helps them interact with one another. It is part of many social events. How many parties, weddings, or receptions have you attended that didn't have music?
The same sort of connection can happen between you and your child. Play music and you'll see children respond. Children will sway, swing, move, bang out a rhythm on a table, and bob their heads. Music is an easy way for parents to relate to their children. When an infant hears you sing to them, you are connecting with them, and they are connecting to you. It doesn't matter what the song is, just sing. It is making a difference.
Music and Emotional Development
Music is associated with our earliest memories, and experiences throughout our lives. It definitely has an emotional impact. Think of a song or piece of music that stirs up strong...