Several studies show that music has numerous benefits when it comes to the mental development of children. Alongside this, numerous research also shows that music can likewise influence a child’s behavior. This article zooms into the specific effects of music on the behavior of children in varying age ranges.
IMAGE SOURCE: https://pixabay.com/photos/summer-kids-swing-boy-and-girl-5370583/
Babies
Infants and babies up to two years of age often rely on music for comfort. Thus, you will notice that they tend to calm down when you play soothing music if they are crying. In the same manner, they also tend to sleep more peacefully with a gentle sound playing in the background. For this reason, many first time mothers purchase a baby sound machine to help their newborn sleep through the night or even just a couple of hours straight.
Toddlers
At around the age of three, your child may begin to show more interest in music. When he or she does, make sure that you encourage his or her interest by enrolling them in music lessons or making it a habit to sing with them. There is also the option for you to play musical games to further deepen their interest in music. Keep in mind that associating music with simple actions such as clapping, jumping, and dancing will greatly improve their coordination. Hence, if your child is a toddler, try to come up with games that will initiate movement, which is often coupled with a great tune.
Toddlers who are exposed to music are less likely to exhibit behaviors of frustration leading to tantrums. This is because their coordination skills prove to be better. The great thing is that music can also help them express their feelings, such as anger, anxiety, or joy. In this case, rather than exhibiting destructive behaviors or merely crying, they have another outlet in music that makes it easier for them to be understood.
Preschoolers
As soon as your child starts school, you will find that the music classes he or she took as a toddler will pay off. This is because preschoolers who are encouraged to listen to music or play musical games as a toddler are more likely to be sociable. You may observe that they are more interested in going to school to play with their friends. Thus, they become more open and curious about learning new things.
Alongside an interest in school, music can also teach your preschoolers patience and discipline. At the age of five, your child may be keen on learning to play an instrument already. He or she is capable enough to concentrate for a short period to learn one task, such as a chord on a guitar. However, to learn more or to be good at playing, your child needs to practice regularly, and this is where he or she will tend to acquire patience and discipline until your kid masters a tune.
Big Kids
Older kids tend to associate music with their mood, such as when they are feeling a bit down, they will prefer a mellow tune. On the other hand, if they are feeling light and happy, they will tend to play an upbeat song. However, you may observe that music can also influence their mood such that an upbeat sound can transform a kid’s bad mood around. In parallel to this, music can also alleviate their boredom or help them relax after a stressful day at school. It is also through music that they connect with other kids showing similar interests.
This is the best time for you to push more and encourage your child to delve into music, particularly if you observe that this is an area where he or she is highly interested. Rest assured that at this age, they can already understand that music has structure and that they can use this to improve their speech and reading skills. In case they are prompted to join a choral group or a band, there is a great chance for your child to learn camaraderie and be a team player. It can also help build their self-confidence, making it easy for them to face a crowd.
IMAGE SOURCE: https://pixabay.com/photos/music-kids-children-play-xylophone-818459/
Music has several effects when it comes to the mental development of children, as well as their behavior. While these effects may vary depending on the age range of a child, it is still true that music is beneficial for them. Perhaps this is the best time for you to encourage your child to explore music so that he or she can take advantage of the benefits that it can provide.
Leave a Reply