Singing on the Brain

I think it is instinctive that when a baby is tired, or sad, we sing to them. As they grow we use this wonderful technique less and less. I starting singing to the girls in the morning and at night from the time they were babies. Now it is a part of our routine. In the morning, we sing:

Good morning, good morning, good morning,

 It's time to rise and shine.
Good morning, good morning, good morning,
I hope you are feeling fine.
Come on, get up, get out of bed,
It's time to raise your sleepy head.
The day is calling out to you,
Hello, hello, hello!

Then at night my husband and I usually sing:

Lullaby, and good night.
Little "name of child" sleep tight.
Rest from your big busy day
And tomorrow we will play.
Close your eyes, rest you head.
Get tucked into bed.
Say your prayers, count some sheep,
And go softly to sleep.

For the baby, when she is sad I always sing Edelweiss.

Then I found once my daughter was a year and a half, she wanted to sing more and more. I also found singing a very useful tool to divert her attention, especially when she had to do something she did not want. For instance, when the weather was getting nasty, she started fighting me on our daily walks (we have a large dog who requires walks - so this was a non-negotiable). I started singing with her for the whole walk. Now it has become our routine, and she is learning a lot of songs!

At first I was embarrassed when my neighbours would stare, but I have found that singing makes everyone feel good. Only problem was, that I never remember the words. So I made up a song book for my daughter for Christmas. I found most of the words at either  Teacher's Guide  or Bus Songs . I included little pictures with the words so that when she flips through she can identify the songs.When we find a new song, we just add it to the binder. I have also given this as gifts, and it is always well received.

I don't sing because I'm happy; I'm happy because I sing. ~William James