Thank you Minnesota Classical Radio for sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% our own. #Classical15
When I was a little girl I often dreamed of what my wedding would look like! What kind of flowers I would have, who would be there and how I would do my hair! What would my tall, dark and handsome prince be like and most of all what beautiful song would I walk down the isle to? You can imagine my delight when recently my two young daughters started playing “wedding” and asking those very same questions.
After a quick trip to the attic, my girls were equipped with my actual wedding dress, veil, jewelry and bouquet thanks to the fact that I NEVER throw anything away! Watching them play and dance to my wedding processional song (the best classical song ever-Canon In D Major by Pachelbel) just made my day and my heart smile. They were so happy and carefree, just like kids should be and getting along perfectly. I soon found that every time I played classical music for them that this was the case! Had I uncovered something? You be the judge with and check out these five amazing reasons YOUR kid should listen to classical music!
Listening Skills
We all need to “listen” and be present, especially our kids. There are many things you need to hear and focus on throughout the day so how awesome is it that allowing your kids (or making them) listen to classical music can actually improve their listening skills. In one study that introduced classical music and its composers to pupils aged seven to 10 found listening to classical music“leads to enhanced listening skills and the development of other skills necessary for careful listening to take place including concentration and self-discipline.” Bach here I come!
Better Sleep
Yes please! We could all need more sleep, especially our little people because their bodies are busy busy busy growing and learning all day long. Sound machines and sleep apps are full of classical music and for good reason! A 2006 study found that students with sleep disorders slept better when they fell asleep to classical music than those who didn’t conk out to music. Look for soft, slow and flowy classical and not the quick and rhythmic melodies to help your child get some shut eye! My kids love the songs where the piano is predominantly used and the pitches are low.
Boosts Concentration
I always had problems concentrating as a child (in the 80’s) so I can just imagine with all the distractions our kids face daily, it must be pretty darn tough sometimes for them to just concentrate! Of course there are simple ways you can help your child concentration levels like making sure they get enough exercise and sleep, a proper diet and for sure making sure they listen to classical music. A 2014 study from the University of London’s Institute of Education has found that exposing children to classical music can aid in developing better concentration levels by increasing dopamine in the brain! Break out that Mozart, Mom!
Good for your health
Does your child suffer from bouts of anxiety and fear and it just breaks your heart? What about you? Do you have high blood pressure, high stress levels or a pain in your back that just won’t go away? A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that participants who listened to classical music had significantly lower blood pressure and stress levels than participants who did not hear any music. Researchers believe that listening to music may help your heart recover from stress, decreasing blood pressure and cortisol levels in the body! I know many moms who incorporate classical music into their day in simple ways like a car ride or before bedtime to help their kiddos out with their anxiety!
Self-Discipline
It is so important to teach your kids the art of self-discipline early in life so it becomes a habit. It will serve them very well in life by helping them make good decisions and helping them cope with uncomfortable emotions in a healthy way! Studies have shown that when kids listen to classical music, they will learn to have self–discipline! Set your kids up early and you will see them reap the benefits through their life.
#Classical15
Unfortunately because of the world we now live in, classical music is slowly diminishing! What a shame because we all know the wondrous benefits to listening to Bach or having Pachelbel play at your wedding but fear not, mom! The awesome people at Classical Minnesota Public Radio have started an initiative to introduce kids and young people to classical music called #Classical15!
Classical 15, is a call to action for those with children in their lives to expose their kids to at least 15 minutes of classical music a day. Whether it be in the car on the way to school, during breakfast, or lulling them to sleep, there are a lot of ways to infuse 15 minutes of classical music into a kids’ daily routine. No prep, no cleanup, or expense – and the impact could be significant for a child.
Mom Always Knows is encouraging all our awesome readers to fit classical music into your kids’ daily lives and reap the many benefits! WE would also love for you to share these simple special moments with us via video using #Classical15 across Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
Help us spread the word and enrich the lives of countless children with classical music’s proven power!
Until next time,
Elizabeth Hurt
I am passionate about all of the topics you’ll find on my blog but most of all being a Mom and everything to do with MOM.
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