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Many studies over the years have shown that it is never too early to introduce your child to music. Regardless of whether he or she truly comprehends the music being played, simply listening has been reported to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and sharpen memory and mental alertness.
While all of these benefits stand true no matter what age, it is said to be more distinguished among young children with developing brains. These long-term benefits that can take effect include, "improved language development, enhanced motor skills, better social skills, higher IQs, increased concentration and basic memory recall" (Katie Gagnon, May 2018). If you would like to have greater mental and physical benefits for your child, consider signing them up for music classes where they are taught to read music or play an instrument. The more involved your child is in music, the better your child's chances are of receiving these benefits.
Many parents find trouble in starting their kids in music, because they do not know how to simply start their child on an instrument or think that it is too costly. However, having your child involved in music daily may be simpler than you think! Many parents have even decided to begin exposing their child to music before they are even born by playing music aloud for them to hear in the womb. While this may seem like an early start to many, there are other ways to expose your child to music from a very early point in their lives. A new study from Harvard University suggests music itself came from the need for parents to communicate with their children before the child is able to speak.
Here are some ideas that parents use to introduce their child to music:
Introducing toys or instruments that play music or make sounds
Playing music in the car (classical music is a good starter for younger children and babies)
Singing to them (such as nursery rhymes or any other upbeat and kid-friendly song)
Enrolling them in music classes
AND MORE!
There are a plethora of options for having your child enrolled in music classes and these activities can evolve as the child grows older. While these activities may not stay consistent throughout their childhood years or even their lives, building an appreciation for music in your child from a young age can increase the chance in them being involved in music for the rest of their life.
A new Study from Harvard University suggests that music comes from evolution. The study suggests that the need for music came from the need for parents to communicate with their children that their needs are being met while also continuing to do other tasks like collecting food. This may have then in turn, evolved into music we know today.