When I had my daughter Sabrina going to “Mommy and me” classes was just a part of what I did. As a young child my mom always attended programs with me. As a student studying education about twenty years ago, I assisted in classes for moms and babies. With all of my older children I enjoyed music classes, baby gym class, Shabbat program, and others. Although I loved all of these experiences, the mom in me is experiencing it differently this time with my baby.
Over the past five years movement and music through fitness and dance has become a part of my daily life. Almost right after Aliyah was born I took her with me to dance (and still do regularly) and enjoy the movement and music of Zumba class. In those moments I feel a deep and special connection to her. Our eyes meet and it’s really as if we are speaking to each other in another language that is our own.
Having a baby is a beautiful blessing and a special time in the life of a mom. At the same time it comes with challenges - sleepless nights, hormones out of wack, the rollercoaster of emotions, and our bodies don’t feel quite like they did before. I definitely experienced all of this when Aliyah was born in my own way.
What I found that helped me tremendously in moments when I felt tired, sad, overwhelmed, or anxious was to connect with my baby through singing and dancing. Research has found tremendous benefits for babies in terms of cognitive, language, emotional, and motor development when they are exposed to music and movement. What is great is that it can be done just about anytime anywhere. Here are a few ways that I integrate it in my daily life:
Singing and moving is a great way to start the day. Find a song that you love and move to it with your baby in the morning. Then sing it again anytime during the day - while you’re cooking, doing things around the house, in the car. These are some of my favorite moments in the day!
Involving older children in singing and moving with their baby sister or brother helps them form a special bond. Older children want to be a part of the baby’s life, even those children that tell or show you otherwise. My 7 year old daughter and I created a playlist of songs for the baby. After school we spend some time together singing, playing, and dancing. It is a nice time at the end of a long and busy day for the three of us to have some fun together and end the day with some connecting and light energy.
Attending a music and movement class is nice because you get to learn the songs with your baby. Afterwards you can come home and sign those songs and move together. Babies benefit from repetition not to mention the beautiful memories you will make in those moments together.
As we move toward Spring with milder weather (I really hope to see lots!) and brighter days, it is the perfect time to start moving and enjoying music with your baby. I hope to be singing and moving with you and your baby too!
Have a great week
Beth
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