As you intently read the back of the brightly colored DVD case, you cannot help but be skeptical. “Will my child’s brain actually reach the level of Einstein if he simply listens to classical music while watching hand puppets?”

Perhaps the claims made by baby products today are a bit exaggerated, but one thing is accurate – music is an important part of a baby’s overall development. Sadly, many parents either overlook this vital aspect of their baby’s growth or are unsure as to how they should implement music into their child’s life. Here are a few practical suggestions:

1)  Sing together. Singing connects us to each other and provides an opportunity for children to arrange notes and words in the correct order.

2)  Provide Instruments: Give your child a chance to explore the world of music and express their emotions by experimenting with instruments.

3)  Provide Music Lessons: You may want to “test the waters” before enrolling them in a conservatory, but those children who express genuine interest in music should be given an opportunity to take formal lessons. If you can’t afford formal lessons, purchase a book or DVD which the child can use to teach themselves.

4)  Take them to concerts. Let me restate this suggestion. Take them to appropriate concerts. Be sure to shield children from concerts which may cause permanent hearing loss, and don’t take them to a concert where a child’s restlessness or noisiness may be unacceptable. Let them be inspired by uplifting music and perhaps they’ll aspire to someday making their own music.

5)  Let ‘em dance! Nearly every child has a natural desire to move to music, so give them the chance to do so. Put on their favorite CD occasionally, and give them full reign of the living room. This not only will provide an outlet for energy and emotion, but it also teaches children coordination, rhythm, and (believe it or not) counting skills!

As Oliver Wendell Holmes once advised, “Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons.  You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body.”