I hope you feel inspired and equipped to use music with your littles!

To grab the full presentation click the link below!

Encouragement!

The following recordings are intentionally A Capella and are to be used for learning purposes only. You are encouraged to use them as a reference to learn music to use live with your children.

Your children want to hear YOU sing :)

Music for Bonding

Secure attachment is the most important aspect of development in early childhood and the mother/primary caregiver is highly influential in supporting this development! You now have one of the most influential tools in your tool belt to create secure and lasting attachment with your child(ren)……MUSIC!

Reminder that lullabies and playsongs can be interchangeable depending on how they are presented. For example: “Hot Cross Bun"s” is typically presented as a ‘playsong’ with a stimulating tempo; however, if the tempo is slowed and softened it can act as a soothing lullaby.

Bonding music communicates LOVE & SAFETY!

Love Somebody

Love my baby, yes I do. Love my baby, yes I do.

Love my baby, yes I do. Hope my baby loves me too.

Utilize traditional melodies and alter text

Mama Loves You - Tune of “Skip To My Lou”

Mama (Daddy) loves you, yes, she does. Mama loves you, yes, she does.

Mama (Daddy) loves you, yes, she does. Loves her baby so.

I Love You - tune of “Hot Cross Buns”

I love you. I love you.

Little Baby, Little Baby, I love you!

Rock-a-bye Baby

Rock-a-bye Baby, in the tree tops. When the wind blows, the cradle will rock.

When the bow breaks, you will be safe. We will be with you, always.

You Are My Baby - Tune of “You Are my Sunshine”

You are (our) my baby, my (our) little baby.

I (We) love you more than you can know.

You are safe, you are loved.

I’ll (We’ll) be here to watch you grow

Dear Sweet Baby (can include child’s name) - Tune of “Brahm’s Lullaby”

Lullaby and goodnight to my dear sweet _______ (baby/child’s name)

Mommy loves you. Daddy loves you. We are here by your side.

Do not fear, God is near. He protects us day and night.

Do not fear, God is near. He is here by our side.

A few final reminders:

1. Songs for bonding do not have to be traditional children’s songs.

   • Other ideas include: religious/spiritual songs, popular songs (such as “Better Place” by Rachel Platten) and others.

2. Lyrics are not always needed….consider:

   • humming

   • singing on “doo, ma, la, ooo, mmm, etc.” all can be effective in supporting bonding.

Feel empowered to move in and out of any song that is important to you and your child!

Music for Routines & Transitions

Utilizing music within your day assists in providing consistency and expectation into your day which in turn supports safety, trust and secure attachment.

Morning Routine

It is important for children (and parents) to start the day off right! Singing is a good way to start! Throw in a sweet “I love you” and you have the beginnings of a great day!

Hello, Good Morning! - Tune of Lazy Mary

Hel-lo, Baby Good Morning. Good morning yes! I love you!

Hel-lo, Baby Good Morning. I love you, yes, I do!

Good Morning, I Love You!

Good morning ________ (child’s name), I love you! Good morning _________ (child’s name), it’s true!

When you were sleeping, I missed you. Good morning ________, I love you!

Good Morning, Good Morning!

Good Morning, Good Morning! The sun is shining so good morning, good morning.

It’s time to wake up and say morning, good morning. Let’s go and and say “Hello” to everyone!

Bedtime Routine

Bedtime can be one of the sweetest and/or the hardest parts of the day. Both parents and children are exhausted from a day of work and play. Children are often fearful of the dark and don’t want to be separated from parents. This is a time where music helps the children (and parents):

1. transition in to a calm mood

   • Music: sing 3 songs (child’s choice) each night with the lights off after books and bath time

2. comfort and assurance (see song examples below)

   • Reminders to put into music: “You are safe,” “You are loved.”

3. transition to bed and sleep

   • Music: family song and maybe providing music on the monitor or a bluetooth speaker (lullabies/soft and slow music) to help child transition to sleep.

Goodnight!

Goodnight Mommy. Goodnight Daddy. Goodnight ________ (child/children’s names), it’s time to say goodnight.

Goodnight stars. Goodnight air. Goodnight noises everywhere.

Time to Sleep

It’s time to sleep. Don’t worry, don’t fear. Mommy and Daddy are here. (repeat 2 times)

Nap time Routine

By enlarge children don’t want to stop playing and nap (even though they need it). This can be a source of tension but with music it can be a fun routine that changes the course of the rest of your day!

Utilize a similar (same or slightly shorter) routine for nap time of 1-2 songs to set a calming mood.

Here is a song that can be used during the transition to nap OR right before you lay your child down.

Time to Take My Nap

It’s time to take my nap. It’s time to take my nap. I’ll lay my head for a little while, then I’ll be right back. It’s time to take my nap.

It’s time to take my nap. It’s time to take my nap. I’ll say farewell for a little while, then I’ll be right back. It’s time to take my nap.

Dressing/Diaper Changes Routine

This can be a frustrating time when they are very young because laying on the back feels unsafe. Music can prepare your child for what to expect and provides them a timeline for the duration of the task. Make this time fun with a little song that you as a family can sing!

As your children grow they will learn these songs and can participate in singing.

Reminder: you might need to repeat the song a few times or sing it through 2 times and then hum/sing on other syllables like /do/, /la/, /ma/ and then repeat the words again one time as the task ends.

It’s Time For a Diaper Change

Diaper change. It’s time for a diaper change. I’ll lay you down and clean you up and then we’ll be all done. (repeat 2 times)

Dressing I Can Do

A dressing I can do. A dressing I can do. Shirts, pants, socks and shoes. A dressing I can do!

Nursing Routine

Nursing is an AMAZING time to use music to 1) support bonding and 2) relaxes mom for a successful let down. This is a PERFECT time to use any and all your favorite songs in a lullaby-style presentation.

Meal Routine

As your child grows and begins participating in meal time here are a few helpful ideas:

Tasks such as more/all done and in-seat behavior are important to address early!

Also…helping clean up their space….add some music and make this task fun with “Take My Dish!”

More/Done

Do you want MORE or are you ALL DONE?

All Done Eating

When my tummy’s full and I’m done eating I say…all done, all done!

Sit, Sit, Sit!

Sit, sit, sit, while I eat I sit, sit sit!

Sitting while I eat’s the thing to do. Sitting while I eat’s the thing to do.

Sit, sit, sit, while I eat I sit, sit sit!

Take My Dish

Take my dish from the table to the sink! Take my plate from the table to the sink!

Take my cup from the table to the sink! Take my fork from the table to the sink! (add different dishes until all is cleaned up)

Bathtime Routine

Bath time with littles can be amazing or it can be frustrating. It is typically in the evening when everyone is already tired and for some littles they do not like the sensation of water. This is an opportunity for parents to work with the child and utilize music to help with sensory integration to increase tolerance of bath time.

You can also utilize any playsongs/lullabies that can make bath time more fun and less stressful.

It’s Bath time Once Again

O, it’s bath time. It’s bath time once again.

Where I play in the water and wash myself. It’s bath time once again!

Restroom/Potty Routine

As your littles grow, potty routines are incredibly important, but can also be frustrating as they assert their independence while also learning new and multi-step tasks.

Give them a song and see how it works!

Wash Our Hands, Everyday!

Scrub on the front! Scrub on the back! Scrub in between the fingers and that’s that!

That’s how we wash our hands, everyday! We keep them clean that way. (repeat as necessary)

Don’t Be Late! - Tune of “It You’re Happy and You Know It”

When it’s potty time you feel it, don’t be late. When it’s potty time you feel it, please don’t wait!

Number one or number two, your body sends a clue. When it’s potty time you feel it, don’t be late!

Waiting on the Potty

I am waiting on the potty. Seems to take all day. I am waiting on the potty, I’d rather run and play.

But I’ll sit here for a while yet. Till it’s time for me to go. With a book or song to help me, sit here when it’s slow.

Big Kids Brush Their Teeth

I brush, I brush, I brush my teeth. Brush until their clean. Brush them in, brush them out. Brush until their clean

I brush, I brush, I brush my teeth. Brush until their clean. Brush them up, brush them down. Big kids brush their teeth!

I also highly recommend the Elmo’s Potty Time Song Book - it actually has quite a few really good rewritten songs that are easy to remember and use during potty time.

Other Routines

Children want and need to participate and help around the house as they grow. Music can be a great way to get them involved!

Picking Up!

Picking up, putting away. Picking up, putting away.

I’m picking up and putting everything away. Picking up and putting away. (repeat song until task is complete)

Clothes in the Basket

Put my clothes in the basket. Put my clothes in the basket.

Put my clothes in the basket and then I’ll be all done.

Transitions

We frequently forget about all the little transitions we do during the day. For secure attachment and regulation children need direction and boundaries. Music provides them with both!

A true transition includes both:

1. Picking up/leaving a task or location; and

2. Going to/changing to a new task or location

The musical theme below can be altered to add specifics for picking up and leaving (picking up toys, picking up clothes, etc). You don’t need a different theme for each task. Using a similar melodic theme will be the cue your child needs to know what is happening next and what is expected of them.

Putting Away/Leaving Transition: utilize with different tasks/objects

Ex. 1: Put the blocks away, in the basket. Put the blocks away, in the basket.

Put the blocks away, in the basket and then we will move on.

Ex. 2: Wave goodbye to your friends. Wave goodbye to your friends.

Wave goodbye to your friends and then we will go home.

The same is true for this second transition for “Going….”: It’s time to go on a _______ (walk, car, bathroom, etc.)

It’s Time To Go Transition: utilize with different tasks/locations - Tune of “The Bear Went Over the Mountain”

Ex. 1: It’s time to go to the car. It’s time to go to the care.

It’s time to go to the car and then I’ll buckle up.

Ex. 2: It’s time to go to bath. It’s time to go to bath.

It’s time to go to bath and then I’ll go to bed.

In this example we use the same theme to help with transitioning from inside to outside. With littles this task takes a long time to get everyone dressed, shoes on and out the door. Music helps!

Going on a Walk - Tune of “The Bear Went Over the Mountain”

We’re going on a walk. Going on a walk. Going on a walk to see what we can see.

Friendly reminder: many of the examples I offer are sung, but you can always use a recorded song.

For example: when it is time to go to nap you can play one song on your phone or family speaker and when it is over the child knows it is time to go to nap. Also useful when picking up. Using a recorded song as the duration for the task to be completed. Family can work together and pick up during a song played in the house.

Other transitions

Getting out of bed is hard. It is hard for parents….it is hard for children.

Getting Out Of Bed Is Hard To Do, O Yea! - Tune of “The Ants Go Marching”

Getting out of bed is hard to do, o yea. Getting out of bed is hard to do, o yea.

I can do it, what me now. I put my feet on the floor and then I march into my day, o yea. March, March, March, March, March!

My children have a hard time moving from lunch to nap and actually getting up the stairs without being distracted by toys, etc. This can also be sung changing the words to “going down the hall” or “going to my room.”

Going up the Stairs - Tune of “The Bear Went Over the Mountain”

We’re going up the stairs. Going up the stairs. Going up the stairs, going to bath!

Going to and from school is hard for kids. Try using music to give direction and boundaries!

I Am Going to School - Tune of “My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean”

I am going to school. At school I have fun.

I’ll see my friends and teachers. I’ll learn and having fun!

I’m Going Home - Tune of “Down By the Bay”

I’m going home with my family. I’m going home, where I can sleep.

I’m going home, where I feel safe. I like to go home.

Music for Regulation

Music can be used to TEACH a child coping skills and used to CUE them to use that coping skill!

These can be used multiple times a day….consistency!

Sensory Integration

Note: Use this song to teach sensory awareness and integration only when child is in a calm and alert state. This is not appropriate when child is overstimulated or unregulated.

This Is The Way - Tune of “Mulberry Bush”

This is the way we rub and rub, rub and rub, rub and rub.

This is the way we rub and rub, my precious baby oh! (can also use child’s name here)

Alterations: tap, pat, squeeze, stroke, bounce, rock, sway, tickle, roll, etc.

• This can be presented in a lullaby-style (calm and soothing) and in a playsong-style (stimulating) to mirror the different emotions and movement.

Classic Music for Regulation - in the moment

Do Not Fear, We Are Near - Tune of “All the Pretty Little Horses”

Mommy’s here, don’t you fear. Go to sleep little baby.

Daddy’s near by, don’t you cry. Go to sleep little baby.

oooooooooooooo

We are here, we are near. Go to sleep little baby.

5-1, I Am Calm - Descending Scale Tones (5-4-3-2-1)

This can be used to calm baby with touch, massage, and movement as appropriate.

Repeat multiple times to help your child learn regulation through music.

As your children grow, this is a GREAT one to teach them to sing along with and use.

Take a Deep Breath and Count from 5!

When something doesn’t go quite like you’d like. Take a deep breath and count from 5-4-3-2-1.

Other regulation ideas

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting

Waiting, waiting, waiting. Waiting for ______ (my food). Waiting, waiting, waiting. Yes I’m waiting for ______ (my food).

O yes, I’m waiting, waiting, waiting. Waiting till ______(mom’s through). I am waiting patiently. Waiting for ______ (my food).

Gentle Hands - Tune of “Skinamarink”

Gentle in the morning and in the afternoon. Gentle in the evening and all the day through.

I can touch with gentle hands. Gentle, yes I can! I can touch with gentle hands.

I Can Stop My Body - Tune of “Froggy Went A Courtin’”

I can stop my body when I want, o yea! I can stop by body when I want, o yea!

I can stop at home or school. At the playground, restaurant or the pool. I can stop my body when I want. I’ll stop!

I Can Listen

I can listen, with my ears. I can listen, with my eyes.

I can listen, with my mouth and hands. I am listening now!

Other Resources

Greetings, farewell, sharing and using music for counting.

Hello, My Friends! - Tune of “Hi Ho, Hi Ho, We’re Off To Work We Go”

Hello, my friends. Hello, hello my friends. It’s good to see you today. Hello, my friends!

Goodbye, Friends - Tune of “Goodnight Ladies”

Goodbye, friends. Goodbye, friends. I’ll see you again soon. Goodbye, friends.

Sharing Is So Much Fun!

Sharing is so much fun. Everyone is doing it so join along.

Sharing is so much fun. Come and join and share along!

Counting #s (1-8) with scale tones: 1-C, 2-D, 3-E, 4-F, 5-G, 6-A, 7-B, 8-C

Counting up to 10 with scale tones: 1-C, 2-D, 3-E, 4-F. 5-G, 6-G, 6-G, 8-A, 9-B, 10-C

Resources:

These are a few of my Go-To resources for music inspiration.

• Listen & Learn Music

• Laurie Berkner Band

  • LBB Youtube Channel

• Songs For Teaching

• Elmo’s Potty Time Song Book

• Singable Stories List

• Traditional Kids Song List (for inspiration on children songs).

  • I use this list to get inspiration when finding a catchy and familiar melody and then pair functional words.

• Calm Mama Happy Baby - Derek O’Neill and Jennifer Waldburger

• You Are My World - Amy Hatkoff

• Safe in the Arms of Love - Lisa Rafel, Gary Malkin, & David Surrenda, PH.D

• Playlists for Moms:

  • Positive Focus - Spotify

  • Mother Empowerment - Spotify

  • Female Positive Grooves - Spotify

  • Soft Female Vocals - Spotify

  • Sound Blanket - Music for Deep Breathing and Relaxation - Spotify

Thank you for your interest in using these techniques in your home and PLEASE email me with your thoughts! I am always developing new information to meet the needs of parents and I’d love to hear from you how you use music and if any of the recommendations above were helpful!

Email me directly at kristin@givingsong.org

If you are interested in more information about music therapy and specifically how music can directly benefit your family, please follow this link: Family and Early Childhood Services (Prenatal, Childbirth, etc.)