Build your child’s interest in music with their own musical instruments. Give them a chance to make some noise, experiment and most of all have fun on specialised toys. It also keeps them out of the pots and pans when they want to improvise.
Music is Key to Your Child’s Development
Did you know that encouraging your child, regardless of age, to make music is fantastic for their personal development? According to research music promotes language and motor skills and helps with the overall development of the brain.
Musical instruments also encourage creativity and your little one could be composing their own sonata like Edward Tomanek at age 7. They may not be a musical child prodigy or become a professional musician, however, having the opportunity to play with musical instruments in their formative years helps children to develop important life skills they can use forever.
How to Choose the Right Instrument for your Kid
The easy answer is that they will choose. Watch and interact with them to find out what area of music that they have an interest in. Something simple is the perfect way to begin – remember this is about them having fun while they learn, and starting with something too difficult can lead to frustration.
We have some suggestions to help you get started:
- The Banger
Is your child always banging on things? On the table, their plate or even your head when you are unwise enough to not pay attention when they are in close proximity. Perhaps a drum will get their creative juices flowing.
- The Percussionist
Perhaps your child is a bit more subtle and enjoys the sweet sound of the percussion note played at just the right moment. A master/mistress of timing, they always chime in at the quietest moment they may love percussion instruments like the triangle or cymbals.
- The Shaker
Maybe your child loves to shake. Their milk, their food or their hips in front of the television – when you are watching your favourite show of course! Try maracas, bells or tambourines to capture their attention.
- The All Rounder
Or maybe your kid has so many talents that it is hard to pick one out. Perhaps they will be the master/mistress of many musical instruments. Try the guitar, harmonica or trumpet to start them on their musical journey.
Getting Them Started on Music
When you initially purchase an instrument it can be challenging for you to listen to their first efforts at creation. We have all been there when little Tommy shrieks into the microphone at a Karaoke night or little Sally emulates Ringo Starr on the drums at 5 in the morning.
Try these tips to your child learn and have lots of fun while you don’t lose your mind:
- Set some rules about when and where;
- Designate a play space that is comfortable but soundproof – if possible;
- Encourage them to be creative;
- Give them examples of musicians they can copy and sit with them while they listen.
Just remember, when your child is learning and growing any sound that they make can be music to your ears. At Baby Vegas we have a great range of children’s instruments to get them started with music.