The days of a babe in your lap can seem like distant memory, as your little one becomes a very “busy body,” exploring the world.  With increasing freedom of mobility, everything in the world seems to have greater appeal than whatever you might offer your child.  All those things out of reach, all those breakable treasures become “must have” items, as your little one displays stronger determination than you could have ever imagined. 

How can you engage your child in music activities when your little one is so active?

1)  Play the recordings while your little one plays with toys.  No matter what your child is doing, no matter how busy that little body, your child is still absorbing the aural environment.  Even if your child does not appear to be “paying attention” to the music, you may observe the occasional smile or glance when the music changes, perhaps a bit of bouncing with the change, or other indicators that your child is still soaking up the music.  Think of the music in the background like your talking to a friend while your child is on the floor playing with toys.  Your little one picks up everything he hears, whether you want him to or not!

2)  Make music activities more “active,” dancing with babe in arms, or moving a toy, spoon, bottle, or book to the music.  If your child is trying to chew the computer mouse, make the mouse dance.  Music and movement go hand in hand.  Your use of movement to reflect (not upstage) the music can only enhance your child’s music development. 

3)  Use music as you use language with your active child—to interact on the changing table, to distract, to capture attention, to pacify, to pay attention while driving or cooking.  Let music become your second language and use it to charm and play with your active child throughout the day.

4)  Download activities to an iPod or CD and make Come Children, Sing! portable, creating more options for a “sound music environment” for play. 

5)  Trust your own creativity that cleverly manages to dress a determined child that doesn’t want to be dressed, make a “must have” object magically disappear, and pacify a fussy child.  When you believe something is right for your child, you will find a way to do it, adapting as necessary to meet the needs of your child’s ever-changing age, stage, and temperament.