If you’ve noticed that your child seems to have an above average interest in music – whether it’s dancing in time to your favourite band, or spending hours playing with a toy xylophone, then that’s probably something you want to encourage. Not everyone is talented at music, but if your child shows an interest, there are plenty of ways to encourage that.
It’s important to make it fun – forcing anything on your preschooler can have the opposite effect to what you want! So here are some fun ideas to help you foster that musical talent and interest.
First, try leaving the kiddie tunes off for a while, and playing some proper music for your child. Make sure there’s nothing you don’t want your child to hear, but remember that children can appreciate rock, rap and classical as easily as they can the latest Barney collection!
Try exposing your child to a variety of music too. World music, traditional, classical and even rock music can be child friendly, and the more they listen to, the more they’re likely to fall in love with music.
Don’t be surprised if your child does pick a few favourites though. And ask for them to be repeated over, and over, and over again. Just relax, and know that one day, your child will get tired of hearing the same songs. Really!
If you play an instrument, then play it with your child. If you don’t, sing, or you could even look for child sized instruments for your preschooler to try out for him or her self. Taking a mummy and me music class with your preschooler can be a great way for both of you to have fun with music!
Alternatively, if you’re not in the least bit musical, then why not take your child to child friendly concerts and music events?
Don’t try to push formal training if your child isn’t interested, and don’t try anyway before the age of three. That’s usually when even the most gifted children start playing, and remember that if he or she decides to stop, or take a break, you need to let your child be the guide!
It’s important to make it fun – forcing anything on your preschooler can have the opposite effect to what you want! So here are some fun ideas to help you foster that musical talent and interest.
First, try leaving the kiddie tunes off for a while, and playing some proper music for your child. Make sure there’s nothing you don’t want your child to hear, but remember that children can appreciate rock, rap and classical as easily as they can the latest Barney collection!
Try exposing your child to a variety of music too. World music, traditional, classical and even rock music can be child friendly, and the more they listen to, the more they’re likely to fall in love with music.
Don’t be surprised if your child does pick a few favourites though. And ask for them to be repeated over, and over, and over again. Just relax, and know that one day, your child will get tired of hearing the same songs. Really!
If you play an instrument, then play it with your child. If you don’t, sing, or you could even look for child sized instruments for your preschooler to try out for him or her self. Taking a mummy and me music class with your preschooler can be a great way for both of you to have fun with music!
Alternatively, if you’re not in the least bit musical, then why not take your child to child friendly concerts and music events?
Don’t try to push formal training if your child isn’t interested, and don’t try anyway before the age of three. That’s usually when even the most gifted children start playing, and remember that if he or she decides to stop, or take a break, you need to let your child be the guide!
