Today, on National Napping Day, we here at Kindermusik International are celebrating the benefit of learning to relax, one of the best gifts you can give your child. (We wish we could celebrate in true form by taking a nap ourselves, but alas, duty calls… and we digress.) Whether there’s simply a need to unwind or whether it’s time to settle down for a nap, music can be an important part of either of these childhood routines.
Just as your child needs stimulation and engagement in age-appropriate activities, she also needs periods of relaxation. This is one of the reasons why many of our Kindermusik classes for babies and toddlers specifically include Quiet Time or Relaxation Time ritual in every class. Lights are lowered; adult and child cuddle up; and we all settle in to enjoy a lovely recording together.
But a “quiet time” isn’t only for young children; it’s also beneficial for older children as well. And times set aside for relaxation are just as important at home as they are in the Kindermusik classroom. Creating regular quiet times at home gives your child practice in learning to calm herself, slow her pace, and relax. Plus it helps her develop a valuable lifelong skill – the skill of learned relaxation.
Slow, gentle music (like Kindermusik’s You Are My Sunshine) can best provide an environment most conducive to relaxation. Some families have created a favorites playlist of all their favorite Kindermusik Quiet Time music. Or find new favorites to download at play.kindermusik.com. Search by style for lullabies. Find what your child likes, and then create a beloved and soothing routine by playing music whenever it’s time for your child to relax or go to sleep.
And so, in honor of National Napping Day, we encourage you to take a few moments to relax and listen to some beautiful music with your child today. You’ll love how good it makes you – and your child – feel!