Encouraging Little Ones to Express Themselves Through Music

As I sit here and type, I am plugged into Songza, streaming a no lyrics playlist called instrumental hip hop beats. My working playlists change with my mood, one day it could be a mellow jazz and the next day I am clicking to my key pad to a no lyrics playlist called ambient.

I’ve always been a lover of music. Back in my younger days growing up in Toronto, hip hop was always my favourite music. Today, this country girl likes a little bit of everything. One day, I will be streaming 90’s greatest hits, today’s country and the next you will hear singer-songwriter or a little R&B jamming from my kitchen. Or I take off to my childhood with ACDC or Led Zeppelin. Each genre feeds something inside of me that helps me get through the day with a beat in my step.

How do you Encouraging Little Ones to Express Themselves Through Music?

Music naturally has many benefits and that is why when you walk into our home, you will always hear beats streaming from the hub in our kitchen. Music reduces stress, encourages us to stay active, music also works out a new area of our brains. Adding music to your day is a great addition to any child’s life! I share a few tips here to encourage little ones to express themselves through music:

Don’t Follow Directions.

You read that right! Many parents encourage their little ones in music through structured music lessons. But for many kids, music lessons can be stressful and monotonous. While following directions and reading music is important for any musician, finding your own beat is just as vital. Encourage your children to break the rules once in a while by singing or playing a musical instrument at her own tune. Expressing themselves is important and fun!

Try Making Music Together.

Music is a fun way to empower and express yourself. Making music with your little ones allows you to communicate with each other in a way that words cannot. Music will unlock feelings, creativity and open the lines of communication. Many of my favourite stay-at-home-mom memories are from jam sessions in our living room together.

Bust a Move.

It’s challenging to listen to music without moving to the rhythm! Another reason I like to switch up the tune in our house is to inspire my children through many different genres and beats. Nothing takes away the daunting chore of cooking dinner like spinning in the kitchen to the beats.

Remember that no matter how your little ones chooses to express themselves through music, we all approach music and the arts from a place of creative self-expression that should be encouraged. When we reinforce that there’s no right way, we can all have fun together!

This September Barbie™ launching the Rock n’ Royals DVD! 

In this upbeat musical, Barbie™ stars as Princess Courtney, a modern-day princess whose world is flipped upside down when she switches places with Erika, a famous rockstar. The two very different worlds collide when a mistake sends Princess Courtney to Camp Pop and Erika to Camp Royalty. Finding their true voices, and coming together may be a challenge but this epic sing-off shows that anything is possible! #BeSuper

First, enter -> Barbie™ Rock n’ Royals Contest!

In celebration of the DVD launch and to further encourage girls to find their musical superpower, Barbie™ is offering you and your little one the chance to win a trip to Los Angeles, California for the Barbie™ Rock n’ Royals concert featuring a surprise musical guest!

Enter to win Barbie™ Rock n’ Royals by clicking here and going to the concert tab!

Then, enter -> Barbie™ Rock n’ Royals is Generous!

One reader will win two (2) Rock n’ Royals Barbie™ dolls!

Canada, excluding Quebec, ends 09/08

 Thank you for reading In R Dream!

Disclosure: I am a Play Advocate. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to Mattel events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.

By entering the following contest you are accepting that if you win your contact information will be shared with a Mattel PR and shipping agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. Please allow 4-6 weeks from the contest closure date to receive your prize. All winners must be from within Canada.