Is there a song out there that your child just loves to blast on the radio? Are you worried about the lyrics and message behind the song? Should you monitor your kids’ listening habits? Well, parents, we have the answer for you.
Read on to find out how to keep tabs on your children’s music without going too far into their private space.
Which Music is Best for Kids?
With so many options available, it can be hard to find music that is age-appropriate, fun and engaging for your little ones. Luckily, there are a few simple tips for finding the best music for kids:
- You should look for songs with happy melodies and themes. Music should have positive lyrics that will encourage creativity and imagination instead of providing messages of violence or fear. Selecting music with catchy rhythms, exciting instruments and multiple voices can help keep young minds engaged.
- Don’t forget about instrumentals! Fun background beats can capture even the littlest listener’s attention.
With these helpful tips in mind, you’ll have the perfect soundtrack — one that’s perfect for keeping both parents and kids entertained!
When in doubt, it’s never a bad idea to ask your child’s music instructor for advice! If your child isn’t already taking lessons, be sure to sign up. They’ll learn all kinds of cool tricks, like what you see in the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F35UkNPC1jw
Music for Kids: How to Know What Your Kids Are Listening To
It looks like “Blurred Lines”, the smash hit by Robin Thicke, is set to be 2013’s song of the summer. With a great beat and catchy hooks, “Blurred Lines” is the song to get a dance party started. However, “Blurred Lines” has also started some debate with its sexually-charged lyrics and NSFW music video. No matter where you stand on the controversy surrounding Robin Thicke, one thing is certain about today’s most popular music.
Lyrical content is increasingly explicit when it comes to sex, drugs, and violence. Additionally, artists’ wild behavior is under closer watch than ever thanks to Twitter and gossip blogs. As a parent, how do you guide and encourage your musically inclined children when the content of their favorite songs may not jive with your values?
Do Your Research
If your son or daughter has found a new artist or song that they love, take some time before handing over any money or streaming privileges. Researching an artist can help ensure that what your child is listening to is appropriate for their age and development level. This can include reading reviews from other parents, looking up any controversy around the artist or song, and checking out any official ratings from organizations like Common Sense Media.
Start the Conversation
With teenagers and older children, start conversations about the music that makes you feel uneasy. Let your child know how you feel about the messages in the songs and approach it as an opportunity for you both to learn. Keep the conversation positive and focused on your values, and remember to be open to hearing what your child has to say. You might be surprised by how well your child has absorbed your family’s values and how much he or she understands.
Following your conversation, you might feel a lot better about letting your kid listen to certain music. Or, depending on your values and your child’s maturity level, you might decide to ban them from listening to a certain song or artist at home. Whatever the outcome, your child will appreciate that you spoke with them and took the time to see their perspective as well.
Let Them Pick It Out
One of the best ways to monitor your kids’ music is to let them pick it themselves! That way, they will be exposed to different genres and ideas in a safe way. Allowing them to choose what they listen to also helps build trust between you and your child; if they know that you trust them enough to make their own decisions, it will go a long way in fostering healthy communication between the two of you.
Offer Alternatives
Though you can’t censor everything, you can at least seek out positive, more kid-friendly music for them to listen to when they are with you. You can easily find or create kid-friendly stations on Pandora and other Internet radio services. If you have more time, select some appropriate options from your music library and ask your child to help you put a playlist together.
Whatever you listen to, sing along and be silly! Listening to music with your kids is all about bonding and having fun.
Find An Appropriate Music App for Kids
There are now many music apps available that are perfect for kids of all ages.
From classic nursery rhymes to modern day songs, there’s an app to suit every kid’s musical taste. Most music apps catering to kids offer curated playlists and educational content such as sing-alongs and beats-oriented music.
Some even allow them to create their own unique musical creations, learning important musical concepts along the way. The best music apps for kids are those that offer interactive activities and games, making learning and exploring music fun, engaging, and a great way to pass time.
Some of the best music apps for children include Kidz Bop, Spotify Kids, and KIDOZ Radio, which all keep content safe and age-appropriate by carefully screening their playlists for explicit language and content. Not only do these awesome kid-friendly apps offer an unlimited selection of upbeat tunes, but they also have special features including song quizzes and karaoke options.
What About Apple Music for Kids?
It’s certainly understandable that parents would be concerned about some of the songs available on Apple Music. However, with its parental controls, Apple Music can be a relatively safe listening experience for children of all ages.
Thanks to its curated playlists, there are plenty of options for kids to discover new music from artists that are appropriate and age-appropriate. In addition, its powerful search tools make it easy for parents to scroll through song titles and preview lyrics before allowing their children access to certain pieces of music.
What is the Best Music Player for Kids?
Finding the best music players for kids can be a tall order, as they need to fulfill certain criteria. It should have parental controls, good sound quality, be easy to use and understand, and not break the bank.
Fortunately, there are now several excellent music players on the market that meet these criteria and more. From iPod Shuffles with clip-on design and waterproof MP3 players to small portable speakers with built-in radios, there is something out there to suit all needs.
Parents can also look into preloaded options that come with just the right amount of songs and activities suited for kids. With so many great choices available, anyone can find a reliable music player that both kids and adults will love.
Be a Role Model
Though pop stars and celebrities are often cited in the media as role models, the most important role model your kid has is YOU! Be the best role model you can be and follow your own rules. If you’ve banned rap music from the house, don’t get caught listening to Wu Tang on your headphones after hours! Make sure that you are consistently living up to the values you want your kids to carry with them, and lead with your great example.
Clean Music for Kids – Easier to Find Than You Think!
Monitoring your kids’ music doesn’t have to mean infringing on their privacy or treating them like babies; rather, it’s an important part of parenting that’s necessary for helping keep our children safe from potentially harmful content and messages out there in today’s world of media consumption.
With a few simple steps—like researching beforehand, allowing your child autonomy by letting them pick out their own music, and discussing topics openly—you’ll be better prepared for monitoring your children’s listening habits without compromising precious family relationships.
When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask the other adults in your child’s life for some pointers – like their music instructors. They’ll have some good information on what other kids are listening to and what you can do, as a parent, to make sure your child stays safe.
Good luck!
Do you keep your ears open for what your kids are listening to? Let us know what you think in the comments!
You might also like…
–3 Must-Try Summer Music Activities for Kids
–Better Together: Learn Music With Your Kids!
–Don’t Quit Now! Keep Your Kid Motivated for Music Lessons
Photo by RedFishingBoat
Megan L.