A Library of Variety  

Children love music! It's a fact. But you want to make sure you're providing a appropriate listening environment for your young child... and here's how you can do that. 

• When picking the songs four children, make sure that they are not only appealing to their ears, but to their brains and bodies too. Meaning, pick a variety of music that will get them moving, singing along, and has meaning to it. 

• It's important to remember that you have to listen to the music too. If you don't enjoy yourself, neither will your child. 

• Include different styles and genre's of music. This can help them determine what kind of music they enjoy and you're opening them up to new cultures.

• When choosing music for your little one, thing back to what you grew up listening to and start there. Such as nursery rhymes...

• To help expand your library, try listening to short segments of classical music. Not long boring pieces, but short, sweet, and simple.

• OFF LIMITS!!! Don't waste your money on those "just for kids" CD's. Even though they are meant for children, that type of music is often poorly produced, sang by adults that sound like children, and only stay in the major keys. You want something for you and your child. That's why you should stick to the rule: "If you think it's bad, it probably is" 

• Guide your child. Until they are old enough to choose their own library of music, give them choices that you approve of. 

• Finally, let your child explore. Take them to different (appropriate) concerts with different artists or have a variety of music in your car. The point is to open them up to many types of music, instead of just a few, so they understand and respect the artists and their meaning in their music. 

More information about music for you & your child