Music Soothes The Savage Beast

I say this tongue in cheek – sort of. As the mother of 4 children (boys no less) there have been times I was sure I was raising animals, not children – and if I were to be truthful, I still have those moments. However, one thing I’ve found is that all my boys love music! In fact, when life gets a little chaotic if we turn music on, things usually settle down pretty quickly.

Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak. --William Congreve

Baby Mozart?

Now, I’m not so sure that having your baby (in or out of utero) listen to Mozart will make them brilliant (I’ve heard arguments on both sides of the isles and as far as I can tell, the jury is still out), however, it’s been my experience that all children respond well to music.

It's in the Genes

It is a mother’s instinct to sing to her babies to soothe them when they’re tired, cranky or not feeling well. As they get a little older, the first thing children do is clap their hands and dance (it’s amazing how such little people – some of them can barely stand by themselves - can feel the beat and have it move them!). Once they’re a little older and familiar with the music, they sing along and/or do finger plays.

Music to Grow On

The next step I’ve found is that they relax to music. Maybe they’re coloring, playing a game, building something and eventually doing homework with music in the background. Of course, at the homework stage, they’re still singing and dancing and many of them have even taken up playing an instrument.

As I said, I’m not sure Mozart will make your child brilliant, but I do think that all children who are exposed to music will benefit from the experience!