How Music Impacts Your Child's Development (& Why It Matters)

Music is an incredibly powerful tool. After a long day of parenting, a single song can reduce my stress, elevate my mood and even stimulate memories at times.

So it's no surprise that music has a similar effect on children. In fact, music plays an instrumental part in their learning and development. You've likely noticed that your child is drawn to music without much effort on your part, and this is probably because they've been exposed to musical sounds since they were born. 

Whether it's singing a lullaby before bed, listening to sing-alongs in the car or dancing around the house, it's so easy (and beneficial!) to incorporate music into your day-to-day activities.

From one mom to another, here are five benefits of incorporating music into your child's life at an early age:

1) Accelerate Brain Development

Children process musical sounds the same way they process speech. So those who are exposed to music at a young age learn the sounds and meaning of words faster than those who don't. Music can accelerate brain development in areas of language acquisition, reading skills, mathematical learning and even memory, as they get older.

2) Expand Communication & Imagination

Music expands communication and imagination skills by developing new neural pathways — meaning it LITERALLY changes the brain. Hearing and mimicking sounds, even when they're pre-verbal, is just another way that your little one can learn to process, understand and make sense of the world around them. 

3) Increase Sensory Development 

Introducing your child to music also aids in sensory development — just like colours, textures, flavours and noises do too. In fact, more musical variety means more development. And when you add in movement, the mind-body connection is fostered even more.  

4) Develop Coping Skills

Not only does music heighten self-esteem and encourage positive coping methods, but children who listen to music tend to be more empathetic towards other cultures. Parental encouragement, learning new skills, self expression and creativity all aid in developing children who are strong and confident.  

5) Build Motor Skills

When our kids move to music, they're getting much more than just exercise. As they move and groove, they are developing balance, coordination and concentration. Not only that, but they are developing parts of the brain that help them speak, read, write and play instruments.  

But perhaps one of the best benefits of all is the JOY that music brings to our kids. If you're struggling to find a way to incorporate music into your child's life, keep it simple. Start by creating a steady beat (clapping or patting), listening to music together, singing a song or exploring musical instruments and sounds.  

We all want our children to be happy and healthy, and music is here to support you along the way. If you're ready to move and groove with your baby, this learning bundle is so much fun!

For more ideas on how to foster these key years of growth and development, grab my free play guides.