New to Baby, New to You!

We, as adults, have so fewer completely "new" experiences than our children do.  Every single day, they go through something new.  Thankfully we're there to guide them through it all, but it always serves as a reminder:  children are exceptional in their ability to adapt!  You may have found yourself asking, though, "My child is either afraid of new things and situations or is fearless.  How do I help them become better observers in these situations?"  I think that this is a great question, for which there is a great, educational answer. 

First, if the object you're introducing isn't dangerous, let them touch/try to touch it.  They'll probably want to put it in their mouths (that's okay too, as long as it isn't sharp, really small, or alive...) because that's the number one way they figure it out when they're so little.  Once they're completely exploring the object (this will only take a couple of seconds), start picking things about the object that they should take notice of.  These things are the: colors, shape, size, texture, if it moves, if it opens. 

Discuss the object with Baby, even if you think they're too young to understand it because within your description of Baby's new toy, game, puzzle, is a handful of unspoken lessons including voice inflections, social conversation, appropriate responses, eye contact, etc.

You never knew a new toy (game, or puzzle) could be so cool!


Musically,

Briana

Your Brain on Music

Even back in the year 2000 (a long time ago for some, and for the rest of us...well, not too terribly long ago!), technology seemed to just be getting it's feet on the ground.  Research methods and practices were just starting to show the benefits of music on brain development -or so we thought!

This article from the year 2000 exposes music's attachment to development back through the 1980's.  It also gives quite a few good "Lehman's terms" explanations for WHY music is so good! 

So while it may be technically, "outdated", this is some seriously good brain food!

Enjoy!
Briana

Time

As a parent, your time is greatly prioritized.  First is Baby (or babies), because they need you for everything.   Second is your husband because he needs things too (socks...t-shirts...food -Just kidding, husbands!!!) and lastly is you, because it's much easier sometimes to take care of everyone before yourself.  I've always wondered about this, and I'm beginning to realize that once a Mother's instinct kicks in, it is very hard pull the brakes and take a bubble bath, or have your hair done, or to even take a shower some days. 

So now you're thinking -"now that this lady has identified my life right now, what is her point?!"  I don't blame you for thinking this.  I was thinking it too as I was writing.  I remember how hard it was for my mom, who was "just a Mom."

My point is this: You've allowed Kindermusik into your lives, and that is special and wonderful, but maybe you're having a hard time fitting it in between all of the other hats you wear in your home?  The beauty of music (and not just Kindermusik, even though it's MY favorite) is that it is completely portable.  It can go where you (and Baby) goes.  In my classes, I try very hard to recommend uses for everything we do in class.  Lullaby's that can be used for baby at naptime, word raps and games that can be used to wake baby up, or even movement activities to music that give them a better understanding of their place in space that can be used for car rides or shipping trips.  By having these tools in your "Mom-belt" you can access a learning experience any time and any PLACE you need to. 

Stop worrying about fitting another thing into your already busy schedule.  Next time you're humming "Mary had a little lamb" just sing it, move to it, splash to it, or rock to it.  Music to your schedule!  I love it!


Have a musical day!
Briana