Shhhh

Just as your child needs stimulation and engagement in age-appropriate activities, she also needs periods of relaxation. This is one of the reasons why Kindermusik Village and Our Time classes include Quiet Time in every class. But a “quiet time” isn’t only for young children; it’s also beneficial for older children as well. And times set aside for relaxation are just as important at home as they are in the Kindermusik classroom.

Creating regular quiet times at home gives your child practice in learning to calm herself, slow her pace, and relax. Plus it helps her develop a valuable lifelong skill – the skill of learned relaxation. Slow, gentle music can best provide an environment most conducive to relaxation.

So take a few moments to relax and listen to some beautiful music. You’ll love how good it makes you – and your child – feel!

Here are a few ideas for quiet time music to get you started:
You Are My Sunshine Music Collection

National Geographic: Lullabies

Lullabies from Potterfield Pond

Flying Dreams

taken from minds on music

Make 'Em Laugh

Image source

"Soft and strong and loud and light,
Very sound of very light
Heard from morning's rosiest height,
When the soul of all delight
Fills a child's clear laughter." -Algernon Charles Swinburne

Laughter:

increases blood pressure
increases heart rate
changes breathing
reduces levels of certain neurochemicals (catecholamines, hormones)
provides a boost to the immune system.
-Eric H. Chudler, University of Washington


Try some tickling and funny faces next time your child seems to need extra attention. Their giggles will help make memories you both enjoy!

Encore!

If you missed the free makeup demo Village class on Tuesday

NEVER FEAR

I will be having one more tomorrow,

Thursday January 27

at 9:00am

Love to see you there!

Little Reflections

One of the top 5 toys suggested for a little one is an unbreakable mirror.

This could be because a babies favorite shape/image to look at is the human face.

A sturdy unbreakable mirror with no sharp edges is a great choice 

for tummy time or any play time as your child grows.

Don't worry if they explore the mirror with their mouth...

you can learn a lot about something by discovering how it tastes and feels in your mouth, they are just doing their job - learning about the world around them.

just make sure it's clean

You can also hold your infant/child on your lap and hold the mirror so that they can see your face in the reflection. Then change your expression and see how your child responds.

Even the smallest baby will try to copy your expression!

Try talking to an older baby in the mirror, but try it with no sound:

Mouth the words "I love you" or some "motherese" that your baby is familiar with.

With an older toddler or preschooler get a dry erase marker and have fun drawing mustaches, glasses or huge eyelashes on your reflection

As you play with your baby you help them learn. A baby has to be emotionally involved before learning can take place. All learning goes through the limbic or emotional side of the brain before it goes through the rational or cognitive side. 

Your love and attention makes your little one smarter.