RHYME TIME - M'S GEMS

By: Melissa Goldberg

Have you ever taken the time to sit back and think about the little things in life that feed your soul? Music makes everything better. Think about it. A wedding, or a wedding with a band? A slideshow of photos or a slide show of photos with a song playing in the background? An elevator ride or an elevator ride with Muzak? Okay, perhaps I went too far, but you get it - Music is a form of art, it is a form of expression, some people think itʼs noise but when you really sit back and think about the power of music and what it can offer our children, you realize our world would be so different if it weren't filled with melody.

So, What is it about those tunes we listen to? What can we provide to our children by simply turning on the radio?

Communication - Our guest this week, L.J. Martin shared many of his songs and lyrics with us. His philosophy around his music is to entertain the children, but he has a clear message with each of his songs. He spoke about the song I like me. In this song he writes about how each one of us is unique. Although we may have our motherʼs eyes or our fatherʼs hair, we are all very different and we are special. Throughout time, songs have offered a clear message. In the songʼs of the 60ʼs they spoke of peace, in the 70ʼs they expressed freedom in the 80ʼs they expressed, um, spiked hair and tight jeans? No, in the 80ʼs many songs shared the need to help others, for example We Are the World.

Builds Confidence - A couple of years ago we were in Disney and one of the kids was swimming like a fish. He had recently turned three and was an amazing swimmer. I told his mother how impressed I was with his swimming skills and she told me that she signed him up for lessons earlier in the year. She expressed how, besides learning to swim, he had gained a huge level of confidence that went beyond the pool. This can apply to Music and other arts as well. Teaching a child to play an instrument, or encouraging our children to get up and sing in a talent show really builds confidence and an outlet of expression.

Spiritual - Music inspires us in many ways. It can instantly change our moods. It can be calming, soothing and healing. It can also bring us to life, get us excited and bring us to our feet. Often, in houses of prayer you will find some of the most graceful music that offers spirit and enlightenment.
 
Breaks Silence - Often itʼs hard to get our children talking and sometimes playing a song or singing a song can get our children to open up.
 
Diversity - Music is a universal language, you can listen to a song in any language and enjoy it. One of my favorite CDʼs I have in my car is the Putumayo series, itʼs a series of uplifting and international music that exposes children to all types of music, from all over the world. Music teaches us about other cultures and allows us to enjoy and experience other peoples ways.

Emotion - Have you ever had a bad day and everything seems to be going wrong? From the minute you left the house, it seems like nothing goes your way and then all of a sudden, one of your favorite songs comes on the radio? Music has the power to turn things around so quickly. It can have the same effect on children as well. It can lighten the mood or help them go from sad to happy. So if the kids seem down and out, crank up some tunes and watch the magic.

Being Creative - When we spoke with Dr. Derek Faktor, the Dentist, Cynthia shared a song that she made up and sings to her children during “brush time.” Making up a silly song or poem can get your kids to do many things they often would refuse to do. Have you heard that tune “Itʼs clean up time...”? Iʼm going to assume your answer is yes.

Capture The Moment - Music has a way of bringing you right back to a place in time. It could be from a month ago, a year or 20 years ago. The other day, while driving home from work I heard a song on the radio and it took me back to another time and place in my life. No One is to Blame by Howard Jones...Summer of 1987, Bunk 42...Monroe, NY - need I say more? Our children also recognize music from previous experiences and build up their own musical memories. We can be anywhere and if my children here "I like to move it, move it," they shout “Madagascar”.

Makes You Smart - It is a scientific fact that listening to music increases brain function, particularly classical music. So, let the music play!

Physical - Cranking up the tunes is the best way to get you up and moving. Dancing with your children is a great workout for everyone. I love dancing with my children because it is the best form of entertainment for me and my husband. The endless twirls, the swinging of arms, the floor spins, you name it my kids have got the moves and Iʼm sure yours kids can groove too!

So, this weekend bust out the olʼ boom box and dust of those CDʼs, or just pop the IPOD in, or give your kids some empty water bottles and make some music. Whatever!!

And, get in the groove.

Mʼs Gems