Many parents begin singing to their babies shortly after birth. It seems almost ingrained in us to sing a lullaby to our babies as we get them to sleep. A rock in the rocker often reminds us to sing a sweet song to our baby. While many parents may not give much thought to how this benefits their babies, it is very important to expose babies to music. There are many benefits to singing and playing music for our babies. Let us look at some of the most important benefits here.
Singing to our babies is very soothing.
Music can be very soothing to the soul. Parents may find that when their babies are uncomfortable or upset that a song will comfort them. Singing to baby is also a great way to remain calm when baby gets fussy. A crying baby can be difficult to deal with but when parents involve themselves in singing to the baby it not only comforts the baby but also the parent. It is difficult to be upset while singing.
Music teaches our babies rhythm.
When parents sing to their babies or play music that is pleasing to their child it teaches the child to understand the rhythms and the patterns in music. Babies have the ability to understand perfect pitch, but this is not possible unless they are exposed to music. Babies seem to have rhythm inside of them. Notice that small babies will begin to move their bodies and get very excited when they hear music. They will often dance with no thought of self-consciousness. Babies feel the music and allow it to flow through them and this is evident when you watch how babies react to music.
Music teaches our babies how to rhyme.
Many songs, including a countless number of children's songs, have rhyming lyrics. Exposing babies to this kind of music teaches them to have an ear for rhyme. What a fun way to learn about language. Music is enjoyable for babies and has much to teach them.
Music teaches our babies about language.
Songs are very similar to poetry. They are really just poems that are sung. Since language develops most strongly from birth to age 5, parents can give their child a tremendous wealth of knowledge about language just through music. Music teaches babies and children new vocabulary and may also be listened to in different languages. Babies are born as though they are a blank notebook. It is up to parents to decide during the early years what they will write on those pages. Shouldn't we aim to fill them with music and culture? This can easily be done by exposure to child appropriate music. With all the resources now available through the Internet it is simpler than ever to find the perfect music for baby.
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