Summary: When I speak about singing, many adults shy away from the activity. For some, singing with your kids many not be among your most favorite activities, the act of singing together has so many wonderful benefits for both you and your child. Here are the Top 3 reasons why singing with your kids is so important: 1. Singing teaches Singing teaches kids about language and develops the brain through active engagement. This is one of the many reasons preschool and kindergarten teachers use singing to help kids learn and remember everything from the ABCs to manners? It’s a shame kids aren’t encouraged throughout all of their years in school...just think where the we would be if our kids were encouraged to sing! SINGING ENCOURAGES LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT BY: (Rice University) Encouraging self-expression, vocal imitation, grammar, and vocabulary Exercising the lips and tongue Helping children to speak more clearly, with greater ease, and confidence Teaching storytelling or how events are sequenced (read last week’s blog post on Story Telling with your Kids) Teaching patterning, rhythm, rhyme, how to listen, and the tools to communicate SINGING FOSTERS BRAIN DEVELOPMENT BY: Strengthening memory Teaches contrasts such as fast and slow, loud and quiet, long and short, tension and release Singing combined with dancing teaches us about space, energy, and time 2. Physical effects of singing The physical effects of singing are tremendous as is evidenced by numerous research studies. Singing, through the deep breathing required, is an aerobic activity that gets more oxygen into the brain creating better circulation. In addition, singing releases endorphins (the feel good hormones) into the blood to boost our spirits. Having our spirits lifted decreases levels of anxiety as well as depression. Some of the other physical effects of singing include: Improves posture, self-esteem, and presentation skills (skills parents desire for their kids) Increases lung capacity and clearing of the sinuses and respiratory tubes Improves mental alertness Tones facial and stomach muscles (something all moms want!) 3. Psychological Effects Singing helps us release stress Creates a sense of togetherness and support between you and your child. It’s no wonder that songs are often used to lull our little ones to sleep and can be quite useful to calm kids when upset, frightened, or angry. Why not use a song next time your child gets grumpy? Commit to singing ONE song with your child today. Take your child’s lead and sing a nursery rhyme or create a silly song together. Everything seems so much more fun when sung! Need help getting started? Here's some music to get you singing with your kids. Before you know it, you'll be doing karaoke together! Remember that songs don’t have expiration dates, don’t require batteries and are completely portable. The best part is, singing songs together won’t cost you a thing and is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your child (and yours, too)!
