Sing it with MJ

Category: Singing benefits

  • Beginner’s Guide to Singing with Your Family – Let the Melodies Sparkle: A Musical Journey in Parenting

    Beginner’s Guide to Singing with Your Family – Let the Melodies Sparkle: A Musical Journey in Parenting

    Why is Singing with Your Child Important?

    When you first gaze lovingly into your baby’s eyes and serenade them with sweet lullabies, you are telling them, “You are important, and you are loved.” Singing fosters an unbreakable bond, weaving music into the very fabric of your connection.

    But the parenting magic doesn’t end there! Singing aids in language development, helping your little one grasp the world of words.[1] As they hear your voice effortlessly narrating daily life through song, they’ll find their own voice sooner than you’d expect. And trust me, it won’t be long before they’re joining you in your musical escapades, creating adorable moments you’ll cherish forever.

    In Jill Suttie’s article ‘Why parents sing to babies’ Jill explains why ‘singing—more than talking—keeps babies calm and can lead to stronger social bonds with parents, improved health, and even greater language fluency.

    Unlocking the Power of Song: Your Secret Parenting Superpower

    As the unpredictable rollercoaster of parenthood takes its wild turns, don’t fret! Embrace the power of “Transitional Songs” – gentle cues in the form of delightful tunes to guide your child through everyday routines. Say goodbye to repeating yourself endlessly and shouting for attention. With your personal playlist of cues, life will sail smoother than a lullaby’s melody.

    I remember when I first became a mum, I thought singing my baby to sleep would be a piece of cake. I mean, I had worked as a professional singer, after all! But sometimes my little one had more stamina than an Olympic athlete. That’s when I embarked on a melodic journey, rekindling cherished childhood songs while penning new ones. I was on a mission! From waking up to tucking them in at night, I learned a song for every moment.

    Singing in Your Family: A Symphony of Joy

    Adding song to your family’s life is like sprinkling fairy dust to lighten everyone’s mood. It’s astounding how a single phrase sung tenderly can resonate louder than a shout. Get creative, try different voices, accents, and surprise your little one – they’ll follow your lead and be where you need them to be.

    At first the tune may take a little while to bring your child out of their play. Be patient as this has many benefits to their growth as they can finish their open ended play and feel in control of themselves, negating any shock or tantrums that can ensue!


    Were you aware that singing offers real health advantages and enhances brain functionality? Engaging in singing prompts the release of endorphins, leading to feelings of revitalization and elevation. Singing can effectively diminish stress levels and alleviate anxiety. In a broader sense, both children and adults who engage in singing tend to experience greater happiness and improved overall well-being.

    Incorporating singing into your family doesn’t require formal recitals around the living room (though that does sound wonderful). Make it a natural part of your day, and your children will grow up embracing the melodies as an essential aspect of family life.

    Getting Started with Singing: Your Harmonious Journey

    Now, you might wonder, where do you start? Fear not, dear parents, for you already possess all the tools you need – your own childhood memories! Hum those beloved nursery rhymes, and simple tunes will flow naturally. Sing what brings you joy and experiment with melodies tailored to various situations with your children.

    Sure, singing has its technical aspects, but practical application is where the real strength lies. Focus, consistency, and the joy of singing are your keys to success. We all have different paces, but remember, practice and dedication are the true stars of the show. Let your voice lead the way, and your child will bask in the warmth of your love.

    Can Anyone Learn to Sing? A Resounding Yes!

    In harmony with nature, we all have unique sounds to discover. Singing is for everyone, barring any vocal or physical impediments. Embrace your individual range and tone, and with some guidance, you’ll find your true voice shining brightly within your parameters. Trust me; we can all be trained to make beautiful melodies!

    The Final Note: Singing with Your Children

    Now, it’s time for some practical tips! Let the magic begin:

    1. Practice singing while speaking – infuse your voice with color, pitch, and emotion to reinforce muscle memory and make daily interactions even more enchanting.
    2. Tailor your songs to your child’s interests – sprinkle their favorite subjects into your lyrics, and don’t forget to add their name for that extra sparkle.
    3. Don’t shy away from trying new things – be silly and playful with your kids; it’s the perfect excuse to have fun and create cherished memories together.
    4. Above all, savor the joy of singing with your little ones – your voice is their most important voice, and your melodies will stay in their hearts forever.

    I’d love to hear your inspiring stories of singing with your children! Share your melody-filled adventures in the comments below.

    Keep singing and cherishing every moment,

    Meredith xx

  • Tuning in to Toddler Transitions: Rocking Parenthood with Playful Songs!

    Tuning in to Toddler Transitions: Rocking Parenthood with Playful Songs!

    Tuning in to Toddler Transitions: Rocking Parenthood with Playful Songs!

    Welcome to the parenting rollercoaster, where unpredictable twists and turns are part of the ride! As parents, we know that smooth transitions are the key to harmony and happiness for both us and our little ones. So, how can we glide through these daily shifts with ease? The answer lies in the enchanting world of transitional songs! Join me on this colourful journey as we explore the magic and significance of these simple tunes that make parenting a breeze.

    The Power of Song: Building Language and Literacy Skills

    As parents, we naturally aspire for our children to excel in communication and literacy. What better way to pave the path for their success than through the power of song? 

    Babies and young children learn through imitation, and hearing their parents’ voices speaking and singing words helps them develop language skills. Transitional songs create a fun and engaging environment, introducing new words, phrases, and sounds, ultimately accelerating their ability to speak clearly and enhancing their vocabulary. Additionally, songs with clear and distinct sounds aid in recognizing and differentiating letter sounds, setting the stage for early literacy skills.

    Ride the Waves of Change: Smooth Transitions Made Fun

    Parenthood can be an exhilarating rollercoaster, especially when navigating transitions with toddlers. Fear not, for transitional songs act as gentle cues, signaling upcoming changes or transitions, helping our little ones prepare mentally for what’s next. This proactive approach reduces resistance to change, paving the way for smoother transitions from one activity to another. Picture the joy of seamlessly guiding your toddler from playtime to bedtime, thanks to the magic of transitional songs.

    From Frustration to Fun: A Sing-Song Communication Approach

    Repeating instructions endlessly can lead to frustration for both parents and children. However, the enchanting world of sing-song cues offers a delightful solution. Instead of relying solely on verbal direction, use songs or sing-song cues to capture your child’s attention and convey messages joyfully.

    Embrace the magic of seeing your child’s eyes light up with delight, eagerly responding to these musical prompts. Through patience and practice, communication takes on a harmonious tune, making parenting a more joyful and positive experience.

    Your Song Arsenal: Unleashing the Power of Playful Tunes

    Are you ready to curate a collection of songs that will make every transition a joyous adventure? Look no further! I’m gathering a treasure trove of song suggestions for every occasion. From tidying up to saying goodbye, these catchy tunes will have you and your little one singing and dancing through the day. 

    Here are some simple transitional songs to get you started, along with their suggested uses:

    1. “Clean Up Song“: Use this song to signal the end of playtime or an activity and transition into cleaning up. Sing it together while picking up toys and putting things in their designated places.

      “Clean Up, Clean Up” (Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”)

    2. “Time to Eat“: Use this song before mealtime to gather your child’s attention and indicate that it’s time to come to the table and eat.

      “The Ants Go Marching” (This classic song can be adapted to various situations, including mealtime.)

    3. “Sleepy Time Lullaby“: Sing a soothing lullaby at bedtime to help your child wind down and prepare for sleep. This can become a consistent bedtime routine that signals it’s time to rest.

      “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”
      “Hush, Little Baby”

    4. “Good Morning“: Sing a cheerful “Good Morning” song to greet your child when they wake up, signaling the start of the day and setting a positive tone.

      “Good Morning Song” (Tune: “Happy Birthday”)

    5. “Going for a Walk“: Use this song to let your child know you’re going outside for a walk or some outdoor playtime.

      “Walking, Walking” (Tune: “Frère Jacques”)

    6. “In the Car“: Sing a song specific to car rides, letting your child know it’s time to get in the car and go on a trip.

      “The Wheels on the Bus”

    7. “Washing Hands“: Sing a fun song while washing hands to make it a more enjoyable and effective routine.

      “Wash Your Hands” (Tune: “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”)
      MJ’s Waterfall song includes a free downloadable handwashing action guide with song words

    8. “Transition to Quiet Time“: Use a calming song to indicate the transition from active play to quiet time or rest.

      “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” (A soothing version for quiet time.)

    9. “Putting on Shoes“: Make putting on shoes fun by singing a little song about getting ready to go outside.

      “Shoes, Shoes, Shoes” (Tune: “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”)

    10. “Saying Goodbye“: Use a gentle song when saying goodbye to someone, like a parent leaving for work or a friend leaving after a playdate.

      “See You Later, Alligator” (Tune: “See You Later, Alligator”)

    Remember, the key to successful transitional songs is making them simple, repetitive, and enjoyable. Use a familiar tune or create your own melody, and be consistent in using the songs during specific transitions. Over time, your child will come to associate the songs with the related activities, making transitions smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.

    Embrace the Symphony of Parenthood

    Dear parents, you hold the baton to a unique symphony, guiding your children through life’s transitions with love and laughter. Embrace the magic of transitional songs, turning parenthood into a colorful masterpiece. Unleash your inner performer, and watch as your child blooms in the harmony of playful melodies. Embrace the journey, and rock parenthood with the power of song!

    Please leave a comment to share your favourite transitional song and how you like to use it. If you’d like a customized song for your child’s specific challenging situation, drop a comment and send me an email – together, let’s create a magical melody to enrich their world! ✨