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November 2009
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Musical Positive Parenting
by Mrs. Donna, North Canton, Ohio
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 Picture the game of “Musical Chairs”: children joyfully circle to the beat of the music, until the song stops and everyone hurries to find a chair of their own. It sounded fun when the teacher explained it, and every child was willing to play along, but now the first child without a chair is crying, wondering why things didn’t go his way.
The mind of the very young child (and sometimes that of the older one, too) works hard to comprehend the “rules” of games. The game of life can also seem harsh and confusing when you’re still learning about rules, consequences, and chain reactions.
 The same is true of parenting, which has been described as “on the job training.” As in the game of musical chairs, sometimes a situation changes quickly and we are left scrambling. We either find something to call our own, a tried method that works for us and our child, or we continue to scramble, setting off a chain reaction that sometimes ends badly.
When playing a game, strategic planning is the key to winning; keeping your eyes open and waiting for the move that will lead to the best outcome is the means to the prize. Parenting is not a game. It’s certainly not “child’s play,” but strategy is everything when it comes to helping little ones learn how to succeed in life. Music is a wonderfully effective motivator for young children, a POSITIVE way to influence behavior.
 Who wouldn’t rather hear singing than yelling?
Parents who have an arsenal of songs are well-prepared to turn the tide so a situation does not escalate into disaster. Instead, these parents have something solid to rest upon: musical positive parenting, a tried and true WeJoySing strategy. Rather than being left to wonder who stole his chair, your child just might be convinced that it’s even more fun to sit on the floor!
Plan Your Strategy |
Instead of This |
Try This |
| Eat your lunch! |
Monday-- String Beans, all you hungry children, come and eat it up! -from Eric Carle’s “Today is Monday” |
| Don’t hit the dog… |
Well I love my little doggie and my doggie loves me, gonna cherish my dog, ‘neath the Green Bay Tree, my little doggie goes “ruff, ruff…” |
| Pick up those blocks! |
Blocks away, Blocks away, time to put the blocks away… (help your child as you sing.) |
| Hurry up! Get your coat on! |
Where, oh where is Sammy’s jacket? (to the tune of “One little, two little, three little Children”) |
| Why did you leave the toilet lid up again? |
Remember to put the lid Dooooown! (with pitch exploration; your voice descends with the word “DOOOOOWN.”) |
| Stop picking on your brother! |
“Susie, be kind and gentle to Tim, hallelujah!” to the tune of “Michael Row Your Boat Ashore.” |
| Picking your nose is a disgusting habit! |
“Blow, Blow, Blow your Nose, then wash your hands…” (to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”) |
| Brush your teeth |
“Brush, Brush, brush your teeth, brush your teeth at bedtime…” (to the tune of “Clap, Clap, Clap your hands.” On the “la-la’s,” sing, “scrub-a-scrub-a-scrubb-a.”) |
| That’s not the way to do that! |
Play the game “See me! Be like me!” saying or singing (so-me, so-so-me) the phrase with enthusiasm and showing or singing the actions (“Do it like this”—so-so-so-me) you’d like your child to adopt. |
| Don’t run in the house! |
“I am walking, walking, walking…” |
| Go to Bed! |
Start your favorite quiet song or lullaby as you head for your child’s room. “Hushaby, say goodnight…go to sleepy little Daniel.” |
OTHER POSITIVE PHRASES TO SING OR SAY
(Fifteen Ways to Reinforce Desired Behavior…)
- You’re on the right track now…
- You are very good at that!
- Have you been practicing?
- I’m happy to see you working like that…
- WOW!
- You’re really going to town on that one.
- You’ve just about mastered this.
- Good for you!
- I didn’t know you could do that!
- I’m impressed!
- Great memory!
- You’re such a quick learner!
- Fantastic!
- Congratulations! You got _______ (name action/behavior) right!
- Kiss your brain! (Kiss your hand and pat your head.)
A Note from Mrs. Jo
YES! Even YOU can be Mary Poppins!! The JOY-FILLED magic found in music can turn a negative moment into a positive one! Try some of the suggestions in this article and let me know what happens! For more wonderful music to add to your "arsenal," join us for the 4 week Holiday Session in Columbus -Monday, November 16 – December 12 or North Canton, Tuesday, November 24 – December 16th. Registration fee is only $45.00.
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