Connecting With My Children
Through The Music Class
In the current age of parenting, there is no shortage of advice and “hacks” on social media. From pediatricians to dieticians to psychologists to sleep experts, we can be overwhelmed with ways to do this parenting thing right. We can also be overwhelmed with guilt that we’re not doing this parenting thing right. 😵💫🫠
Even though I have personally tried to unfollow and ignore as many of these posts as possible for my own sanity, one buzzword that I’ve seen repeatedly has stuck with me. It’s “connection.” (Also yes - social media itself can be a barrier to connecting with our children while telling us all of the ways that connecting with our children will fix all sorts of problems! The irony!!)
Anyways, for my family, The Music Class has been one of the strongest ways we have found connection. I know that for the 45 minutes we spend in class, I will be completely focused on singing and dancing and having fun with my kids. There is no better type of connection to me.
The music that we get each session has also brought us so much connection outside of class. Here are my favorite ways that I’ve used The Music Class to connect with my kids in the real world:
- Be Silly! The Music Class gives us one of the easiest ways to be unselfconscious and silly with our kids. Sing “When I’m Silly” from The Tiger Collection and make funny faces, wiggle, tickle, chase, flail, act like a robot, etc.! Put on “Sam the Dinosaur” from The Dinosaur Collection and run away from the mouse! Or use “1 2 3 Wee!” also from Dinosaur to get out that last batch of giggles before bedtime. As your kiddo gets older and starts to make everything about…bodily functions…you can lean in and sing “Boo!” from The Tiger Collection with those words too. 😂
- Wait for Things! It’s hard for all of us to wait at a doctor’s appointment or in line at the grocery store. “Waiting for the Bus” from The Elephant Collection is perfect to sing about and practice waiting for things! I also love using chants that can be done quietly when you are in public. Chants like “Quiet Cats” from The Tiger Collection or “Fingers” from The Bear Collection are excellent minimally disruptive options for getting through a long wait time while adding some connection to your day.
- Diffuse Meltdowns! This one is tricky and depending on how deep into a meltdown your child is, it might not work. But, if you can sense a meltdown starting, you just might be able to use a song to your advantage. My favorite example of this is getting into a car seat. I sing “Riding in My Car Now” from The Bear Collection every time one of my kids doesn’t want to get into their car seat. We sing as I get them buckled in being as silly and distracting as possible! It (usually) works!
- Bedtime! Of course, singing a lullaby at bedtime is the perfect opportunity to slow down and connect with your child. Even if you think your voice isn’t good enough, I promise it is your child’s favorite and they will LOVE to hear you sing to them each night. My six-and-a-half-year-old still asks for “Dream of Me and You” from The Tiger Collection a few times a month and I will always say yes. The Music Class has lullabies in every collection for you to choose from, and a lullaby-only compilation you can find on all streaming platforms.
- Add familiarity to an unfamiliar experience! We know how much our kids LOVE repetition and routine. Heading to visit a relative in a new environment might feel really overwhelming for your little ones! Using a favorite song from The Music Class can help bring a sense of familiarity to that unfamiliar place. If you're visiting for dinner, sing "Applesauce" from the Tiger Collection about what you might eat with your family. If you're visiting to play, maybe try "Johnny Giraffe" from the Giraffe Collection to break the ice!
Most of the time, TMC teachers remind you to listen to your music outside of class because it's important for your child's music education. As a TMC teacher myself, of course, I love and believe in those benefits. But as a TMC mom, I know there are so many other beautiful benefits to the time and connection you share in The Music Class that last for many years to come.
And for the record, you’re definitely doing this parenting thing right ♥️
-Ms. Marilee
