Whether you’re singing the blues or joining in the “Hallelujah Chorus” about back-to-school time, it is important to remember that since it is a time of transition for kids, there is a lot of new and different routines for them to learn about and navigate. Here are three ways you can help ease this transitional time.
1) Mix it up with a mix CD. If you drive your child to school in the morning or [therapies, lessons, sports] in the afternoon, think about creating a CD together with your child. Fire up your iTunes playlist, and ask your child to choose songs that make him/her feel happy. Intermingle those with a few of your favorites as well for an easier commute.
2) Ask your child to share songs that they are learning in school and sing them together at bedtime. If this is difficult for your child, you can also request that a note be sent home with this information. This puts your child in the “teacher” role and supports their self-esteem.
3) Wind down together. If your child comes home from school with some extra energy the way mine often does, consider finding some quiet or soothing music and pair it up with coloring or cozy up with a book together. Your selection can be any type of music, it doesn’t have to be classical, it can be any kind of music that you find relaxing! Having music as a natural, regular part of your environment is also great way to expose your child to a wide range of genres and artists.
