Singing and making music are a matter of course in many people’s everyday lives, but by no means in all families. Christmas parties, birthdays, or other celebrations often offer almost the only chances for random musical activities.
What can regular singing and making music together achieve for family life?
Whatever the answers, there are two sides to every phenomenon. On the one hand, children benefit from musical experiences almost from the day they are born. Singing and speaking directed at the child promote the social bond of mothers. At the same time, this reduces their own fears. It is able to calm or activate babies and is an effective ritual not only at bedtime but throughout the day to improve the regulation of emotions and ultimately also the sleep quality of small children.
This does not necessarily mean that children who do not sing as often or as regularly, or who do not learn a musical instrument, develop differently or worse than those of their peers who experienced intensive musical encouragement at an early stage. At the same time, the family is undisputedly the most important instance of general as well as musical socialization. It turns out that within the framework of parental musical and educational responsibility, there are far greater opportunities than challenges.
Basically, musical activities in families, especially when it comes to smaller children but also to older children, should be aimed primarily at conveying joy. Space, time and positive affection are nearly the only practically pertinent framework conditions that you have to fulfil. The movement to music, simple songs, and rhythms are perfect daily companions because they barely require any external resources. They effectively work against boredom, bright moods. They can also help to overcome stressful situations and crises. In addition, regular musical activities can accelerate or initiate vital development processes.
Long-term effects of singing and making music in the family:
Family singing and making music have many facets. Studies suggest that learning to play music or the creation of prerequisites for precisely musical educational vocations is also in the hands of families. However, what seems more essential is that musical happenings within the family can accomplish much more imperative tasks. For example, they influence the relationships, perception and appreciation of family members among one another.