How music keeps children on song

Sep 24 2013

One of the first things a young child hears – and remembers – is mum and dad singing lullabies and nursery rhymes to them. From that moment on, music plays a powerful emotive role in a person’s physical and intellectual wellbeing.

Sadly, this isn’t always the case for some children from disadvantaged backgrounds. A mother or father may be missing from their lives and the sole parent is often too tired and stressed to fully nurture them.

A school principal told HMRI Director Michael Nilsson that many kids come to kinder having never opened a book. So not everyone has an equal start to life …  and there are big differences in the enriching experiences that kids are exposed to.

That’s why an HMRI program called E2EEE (Enrich 2 Engage, Educate & Empower) is so important.

It brings the music experience into the school context but is inclusive of parents so that kids and parents can both benefit.

Many children’s songs are associated with games and dances that add to the enjoyment of the music. These songs stand the test of time, and family members, friends and teachers can all help make singing an everyday part of children’s lives as they grow and mature.

True health is more than just the absence of disease – it’s the ability to fully enjoy your life through the visual and aural aspects of cultural pursuits. The arts, which include music, are part of what make us human and as medical researchers we need to continue exploring the symmetry between music and health outcomes of children, particularly those in disadvantaged communities.

E2EEE will provide disadvantaged kids with the cultural tools to improve their lives now and maintain good health and wellbeing for the rest of their lives.

You can help simply by voting in the Eftpos Giveback, with up to $2million going to a worthy cause. Please make sure that you highlight “Disadvantaged kids, families and communities”.