{"id":556,"date":"2017-01-11T18:50:57","date_gmt":"2017-01-11T23:50:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.musictogether.com\/blog\/?p=556"},"modified":"2023-07-31T15:10:06","modified_gmt":"2023-07-31T19:10:06","slug":"parenting-hacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.musictogether.com\/blog\/parenting-hacks\/","title":{"rendered":"Musical Parenting Hacks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ever wanted a magic wand to tame a tantrum? Thrown your hands up trying to get your child to eat another bite? Or wondered how many more miles ’til they hit the road to dreamland? Whatever your parenting 911, we’ve got a musical parenting hack for you to try! The great news is you already have the goods to make the magic happen! So, exhale and read on.<\/p>\n

1. It’s all about Me, ME, MEEEEEE!<\/h2>\n\"1.\n

Not only does your child love to hear you sing, they love to hear you sing about THEM. It feels good to be a VIP! When your child hears their name, it’s brain food for focus and attention. Substituting your child’s name in “Mary<\/em> Had a Little Lamb” or singing “This little Lauren<\/em> of mine” (instead of “light”<\/em>) can be so powerful in getting or redirecting their attention. Try it!<\/p>\n

\"1.<\/div>\n

2. Take your silly seriously<\/h2>\n\"2.\n

Pull out an unexpected silly song or dance during dreary chores or errands and make the day sunny again! Try holding your nose and singing “Hello, Everybody” or “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” Sweeping or vacuuming? Take a guitar solo! You’ll all get the giggles!<\/p>\n

\"2.<\/div>\n

3. Go! Stop! . . . Go!!!<\/h2>\n\"3.\n

Play the freeze game to get your family out the door. “Toot”<\/em> your “horn” and march slowly toward the door to “Marching and Drumming” (Fiddle Song Collection, in the Music Together\u00a0app<\/a> or the Family Music Zone<\/a>). Freeze after the first part of the song and give your child a sly look before marching quickly again. By the second time through, your child will want to lead YOU! (P.S. Teachers, this works well in the classroom, too.)<\/p>\n

\"3.<\/div>\n

4. Beat the clock<\/h2>\n