10 Relaxing Songs for Kids

10 Relaxing Songs for Kids

I keep finding myself sifting through music for songs to help my 4-year-old feel more relaxed. There's something about this time of year (new school year, new routine) that tends to trigger stress. We've been using a lot of music. I know music is my "thing", but as a parent, I'm so incredibly grateful for it. It can halt escalating emotions and take them in a completely different direction.

10 Songs for Community & Friendship

10 Songs for Community & Friendship

When the world feels a little heavy, it does the soul a lot of good to hang out with little kids. They tend to wear their heart on their sleeves, nothing stops them from giving a new friend a bear hug and pure joy is accessible just moments after sadness. 

Calming a Crying Baby (A Music Therapist's Method)

Calming a Crying Baby (A Music Therapist's Method)

We had some weekend visitors stay at our house not too long ago and they brought their sweet 18-month old. He was sick, missed a nap and was overstimulated after a long day in the sun. Predictably, he had a rough time calming down for a nap. Before long, it escalated to him being completely inconsolable. Within minutes, he was fast asleep. The method I used is something I've used time and time again with music therapy clients and my own daughter. 

10 Music Activities for Kids {for calming, cheering up, wiggles & encouragement}

10 Music Activities for Kids {for calming, cheering up, wiggles & encouragement}

The music therapist in me has a pretty big {and useful} toolbox at my disposal. My 4-year-old is running circles around the house yelling that she's bored? I have a song for that! The neighbor kids are over, it's too hot to go outside and the volume is at an ELEVEN? Time to pull out anything and everything I have!

Over the years, there have been some stand-out winners in my toolbox. So here they are, for you to try in your own home.