(Music Helps Kids Grow and Learn first appeared in the Public Opinion Newspaper in January 2015. To read it online, visit www.publicopiniononline.com.) Dr. Ira Listijani, pediatrician at Keystone Pediatrics in Chambersburg, says playing and listening to music is a great way to help your child grow and learn.
Singing the praises of music
It’s no secret that music can make a profound difference in a child’s development. For infants, singing is an ideal way to foster language development and using different words and rhymes through familiar tunes can enhance memory. An infant’s brain isn’t thoroughly developed at birth and needs sensory input for cells to build and connect.
Starting before age 7
A recent study says that musical training before the age of 7 can have a significant effect on brain development and helps a child’s motor skills. Learning to play an instrument requires coordination and practicing an instrument before age 7 can boost the motor and sensory regions of the brain. Musical training can also be more effective at an early age.
Use your brain
Music is one of the few activities that involve using the whole brain. It’s important to understand that musical performance is not only about skills, but also about communication, enthusiasm, style, and many other things that we do not measure. While starting early may help you express your genius, it probably won’t make you genius.
Insomnia cure
All types of music have favorable effects. Music can be distracting if it’s too loud or if it competes for our attention but for the most part, exposure to music has beneficial effects. Listening to music can improve memory and help you recall information. Classical music is an easy way to beat insomnia. Just 45 minutes of relaxing music before bedtime can make for a restful night.
Relax
Countless studies have shown that music’s relaxing effects can be seen on anyone—including newborns. Music has positive effects on pain management, reduces body tension, and improves movement and coordination. Music can help reduce both the sensation and distress of pain. Music is even good for your heart—whether or not a person liked the style of music did not matter.
For more information about Keystone Pediatrics, click here.
