Every morning, the kids ask me to watch TV. I always say no, unless I am really sick and can barely move. Instead, I put on the radio. Instantly, I have a bunch of dancing, bopping kids in my living room. They love music. All kinds of music. Classic rock, folk, top 40, rap, blues, country, you name it, we listen to it, with the exceptions of Christian and Hate music. My sons, who are usually working on their home school work, bob along in their chairs as they work. My girls dance with each other. Their moves are downright hysterical. Of course, their father declares that neither of them is going to college.
Music has been proven to beneficial to brain development. But it is more than that. While TV can touch our hearts, it can rarely move our soul like a song can. I have a playlist on my Zune(yes, a Zune, I do not like Ipod or Apple)that is full of songs that touch my soul. When I get away from where I want to be mentally, I put the headphones on and block out all other stimuli. I let myself cry, let my heart swell, renew my being. And I hope that is what I am passing onto my kids. I dance with them, I sing with them. I teach them the words. Nobody memorizes a television show, but everyone has at least one song they know all the words to. I don't censor songs either. That doesn't mean I let them listen to songs full of expletives but a few swear words don't really hurt. Because I make sure to tell them that right now, using those words is inappropriate. I really dislike radio stations that declare themselves safe for little ears. Well rounded kids are exposed to all kinds of expression.
TV will never hold a candle to music. So turn off the TV and turn on the radio. You will be glad you did.
Great post! My children know all the words to Copacabana because we played it loud and sang to it. They loved it all and danced to it all. NO, hearing a few "bad" words is not going to harm a child. It might even innoculate them with a mother who says it is not right for them now. They won't be drawn to people who say those things later. I don't know how I found you, but visit my blog sometime when you have a spare moment...lol...never...lol.
ReplyDeleteI love that scene in Despicable Me where the minions are singing that! Thank you for the compliment!
ReplyDeleteI did not see that but will see if it is in the library for me to check out. Oh, songs--Son wanted to know what "afternoon delight" was...forgot which song... he was too young for that talk...lol. "Let's get Physical' from Olivia Newton John, yes, I did explain the exercise and adult fun double meaning.
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