It can be too late!
Have you ever wondered why some people can sing happy birthday in tune, clap along in time at a concert and dance gracefully, while others can't hold a tune to save themselves, have no sense of beat and dance with two left feet?
If you think it's all due to the talent they've inherited from their parents then you're only partly right...
Yes - babies are all born with a certain amount of musical aptitude that is determined by their genes. But that is not the end of the story. If a baby is born into a world with no music, then their musical brain is neglected and neural connections wither and die. It's the old story - use it or lose it.
On the other hand, if a baby is immersed in music, song, rhymes and dancing, then their musical brains will flourish and their musical potential will be maximised.
Incredibly, a child's musical aptitude is determined by the time they are seven years old. If they have not been exposed to quality musical experiences in the first seven years of life, then they will never, ever sing in tune or be able to keep the beat (even if they have a rich music education later in life).
So what does this mean for you and your little one?
It means that it is never too early to start immersing your child in music. Sing songs to them, bounce them on your knee as you say rhymes, dance to beautiful music and rock them in your arms as you hum lullabies. These are the things that humans in all cultures have shared with their babies since the dawn of time.
“Wash the dishes
Dry the dishes
Ring the bell for tea
Three good wishes
Three good kisses
I will give to thee
One, two, three!”
Sit your little bluebird in your lap and bounce them on the beat while you say this rhyme. On 'tea' touch their cute little nose. And as you count, kiss one cheek, then the other, and on 'three' smother them with kisses!
Making sure your child participates in musical activities will keep their musical brain growing and ensure that they will have a lifetime of joy - they will be able to dance at their school formal and eventually sing lullabies to their own babies.
Looking for some quality music recordings to play for your little bluebird? Try these...
