Build connections with your children by sharing music, whether in voice, instruments, or recordings. You don’t need any special talent–research shows that, when parents sing to and engage with their babies (whether by swaying along with a lullaby or smiling at them as they coo back at you), they help children learn to relate before they can talk. To extend those positive effects to recorded music, try dancing to the music with your toddler or using fingerplays (hand movements combined with singing) to make songs more interactive. With older kids and teens, try elevating the mood by playing Name That Tune with songs you each love–play a few notes, and take turns guessing song titles. Join us on Facebook to share how your family uses music to connect!
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