Music therapy for children: its importance, types, and impact on growth

Music and songs have always had a significant impact on people, both young and old. They play an essential role in children's lives, not just as a form of entertainment but also as a tool for developing their skills and abilities. In           Dalili Medical, this article explores the effects of children's songs on infants and young kids and how they can be used positively for their benefit.

Are children's songs harmful?
Discover with us the benefits of children's songs, the potential risks, and how to use them effectively in raising your child! 

What is music therapy?

Music therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses music and its elements—such as sound, rhythm, and harmony—to achieve important goals like reducing stress and improving quality of life. A music therapist (a certified professional with specialized training) works with a child to understand their musical needs and determine the most suitable types of music for them. The therapist also evaluates the child's progress in each session. Music therapy is particularly beneficial for children with speech delays or concentration difficulties, helping them develop their skills naturally and enjoyably.

What types of music are suitable for children?

There are many types of music that are beneficial for children and contribute to their cognitive and emotional development. Some of the most important ones include:

1- Educational and instructional songs

Songs with simple, repetitive lyrics help children learn new concepts in a fun way, such as songs about letters, numbers, fruits, and animals. When parents sing along and add gestures and movements, it encourages engagement and supports language development.

2- Classical music

Classical music, such as compositions by Mozart and Beethoven, helps improve focus, attention, and memory. Playing classical music in the background while children play or draw is an excellent way to enhance their cognitive abilities, especially from the age of six.

3- Folk and cultural music

Music that reflects a child's culture fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens their social skills. This type of music has an indirect but significant impact on shaping a child's personality and improving their ability to interact with others.

Benefits of Music for Babies 

Your baby can interact with music even if they don’t understand the words! Music has a powerful impact on their cognitive and emotional development, helping them communicate and grow faster. Here are the top benefits of music for babies:

1- Stimulates Brain Development 

Exposure to different melodies and rhythms boosts your baby’s brain activity and enhances memory. Simple songs with repetitive beats help improve cognitive skills.

2- Enhances Language Learning 

Babies over six months start recognizing sounds and trying to mimic them. Listening to simple songs helps them learn letter sounds and words faster, supporting early speech development.

3- Strengthens Emotional Bond ❤️

Singing to your baby or playing soft music while cuddling creates a sense of comfort and security, strengthening the emotional connection between you and your little one.

4- Encourages Movement and Activity 

Music naturally encourages babies to sway and move to the rhythm, helping develop their motor skills and muscle coordination.

5- Improves Sleep Quality 

Playing soft music or singing lullabies before bedtime helps calm your baby, reduces stress, and promotes deeper, more restful sleep.

 Make music a part of your baby’s daily routine! Choose gentle, soothing melodies suitable for their age to maximize the benefits. 

Criteria for Choosing Musical Activities 

✔ The activity should contribute to the child's personality development and skill enhancement.
✔ It's best to link musical activities with school curricula for greater benefits.
✔ Choose activities that match the child's interests and environment.
✔ Offer a variety of activities to accommodate individual differences between children.
✔ Consider the child's culture and background when selecting songs and music.
✔ Include activities that foster creativity and encourage innovation.

Examples of Musical Activities for Children 

 1- Singing Activities
Singing is a great starting point for preschool and school-age children, as it helps them learn new words and concepts in a fun way:

• Educational Songs : Songs about numbers, letters, and days of the week.
• Movement Songs : Songs that encourage children to perform actions, like "Jump Like a Rabbit."
• Acting Songs : Where children act out the lyrics of the song through movement.

 2- Dance Activities

Dancing is a fun way to enhance children's movement and develop their motor skills:

• Play upbeat music and dance along with the child.
• Encourage the child to create their own dance moves.
• Musical games like "Freeze Dance," where the child dances when the music plays and stops when it pauses.

 3- Playing Musical Instruments

Playing instruments enhances a child's sense of rhythm and encourages experimentation and creativity:

• Playing drums and tambourines.
• Shaking maracas or objects that make sounds.
• Creating simple musical instruments :
  • Filling paper plates with rice to make a shaker.
  • Using spoons and kitchen utensils as fun musical instruments.

Key Effects of Songs and Music on Children 

 1- Language Development

Repeating song lyrics helps children:
✔️ Learn new vocabulary.
✔️ Improve pronunciation and fluency.
✔️ Understand how to use words in the correct context, especially with educational songs in formal language.

 2- Enhancing Motor Skills

Music encourages children to move and dance, helping them:
✔ Develop coordination between movement and rhythm.
✔ Improve fine motor skills.
✔ Gain flexibility and better body control.

 3- Enhancing Social Skills

Music strengthens a child's ability to interact with others by:
✔ Participating in group singing and dancing.
✔ Boosting their self-confidence among friends.
✔ Helping them build social relationships in preschool or school.

 4- Stimulating Creativity and Imagination

✔ Songs that tell stories encourage children to use their imagination.
✔ Music helps develop their creative and expressive skills.
✔ It improves their ability to focus and pay attention.

 5- Improving Learning and Academic Performance

✔ Music makes learning fun and easier to absorb.
✔ Children who listen to educational songs have a greater ability to understand and memorize.
✔ Studies confirm that children exposed to music tend to achieve better academic results.

 6- Enhancing Mental Health and Mood

✔ Songs and music reduce stress and anxiety.
✔ They help children relax and improve their mood.
✔ They boost their sense of happiness and self-confidence.