December 3, 2021Rachel Davis
On this occasion, we turn to Tedx speaker, musician, coach and NLP practitioner Rachel Davis for tips on how we can use music to increase self-confidence in young children. Are you ready? Let’s dance!
We move to it, eat to it, drive to it, dance in our kitchens to and it forms the backdrop for so many events and celebrations.
But music is also the most incredible tool for teaching younger children. From counting to the alphabet, music has been used for centuries for teaching all manner of things. Now there are the obvious benefits we get from playing and listening to music as children. There is so much going on, in fact, research shows it lights up our whole brain. There are different instruments, sometimes playing different parts. There are different tones, pitches and volumes. There is percussion and harmony, collaboration and taking turns, there is connection. And interestingly, it is the space between the notes that is as important to the music as the notes themselves.
Music also has the most incredible ability to go straight into the unconscious mind and stay there. It’s why you can’t remember anything that your parents told you when you were three, but you remember all the songs. And that’s because the brain loves patterns. It loves chunking things up into rhymes and rhythms and if you then put information into the vehicle of a song, it just goes straight in. Recent research even shows that the part of the brain that stores music isn’t even lost to Alzheimer’s. And there are also the stories about Aboriginal people and their ‘songlines’, teaching their younger generations where to find food, shelter or how to find their way home, all through the power of song.
So if we know that it is going straight in and that children can remember it forever, then what kind of lessons do we really want to teach? You see, before age 7, our children are naturally in what’s called a theta brainwave state. This is a hyper-learning phase, essential for our children’s survival. They have to learn and absorb so much. In fact, 90% of our brain development happens before age 5 and once our critical factor forms and the age of reason begins to allow the child to question the information that is going in, but this also means we have a serious opportunity to affect they way they think about themselves and the world around them, so let’s have a look at 5 ways you can use music to increase confidence in your child, or the children you care for, right now.
Getting out of the house with younger children can often be stressful. Introducing songs and games to stressful times of the day can turn moments of ‘aargh!’ into fun, love and connection. If you can reframe the moment into a shared, fun activity, your children will start to look forward to the very same moments that both of you normally dread. LaLa Tigers has some excellent songs for children that do exactly this or to give you some inspiration, you can get a free workshop here.
When looking after young children, sometimes the days can look a bit the same. Putting on some of your favourite rock music and doing some air guitar, or getting out the glitter and having a disco in your kitchen can be all that is needed to raise everybody’s spirits. It reminds you of the glorious human that you are, changes your internal state wears out the little ones and burns calories. Win/win.
Teaching children all about anxiety or how to manage emotions shouldn’t be heavy going and needs to be fun. Putting ideas into songs is a great way to teach them everything they need to know about believing in themselves. Playing music with positive messages and suggestions about our inner power can have a wonderful affect on how children see themselves.
Singing all your old favourites can be great and who doesn’t love a bit of karaoke. But why not encourage children’s imagination and form a pop group or rap band and make up your own songs. Grab a pen and paper so you can write down their words, grab a hair brush – and you’re off! Make up a name for yourselves, make yourself a costume, dig out the pots and pans for drums and make shakers out of rice and empty containers. When you’ve practised a few times, put on a performance for your family and friends. And remember that you don’t have to be a great singer, the most important thing is that you feel like a total rockstar and yes, dressing up always makes things more fun.
Thoughts trigger our feelings and feelings drive all our behaviour. A great way to change the way that we feel is by focusing our minds on all the things that we have (which makes us feel amazing), instead of what we don’t have (which can make us feel not enough). You can make up your own song, or try saying thank-you and goodnight to all the things that help you and why. Not only does being grateful make us feel great, it also brings a shift in perspective and brings us into a positive vibration and sense of abundance, attracting more of the same into our lives. For inspiration, check out ‘The Attitude is Gratitude’ and ‘I am a Happiness Generator,’ great for doing robotics to by LaLa Tigers on all major digital providers.
Teaching wellbeing and confidence to parents and children aged 2-7 years, through music and FUN! No musical experience necessary. Join NOW – Places Are Limited
About the author
Rachel Davis is the founder of La La Tigers, teaching personal growth, mindset, confidence, self- esteem and wellbeing to parents and young children through music and expression. She uses her background as a musician and coach to encourage positive ways of thinking and feeling. She is a passionate speaker and educator, having delivered a TEDx talk on ‘Inspiring confidence and self-belief in children through music’.
