I'm tired…

A Perfect Lullaby. They reminded me of many benefits of singing to our baby: music is great for bonding with our child, soothing her when she is upset, and helping me to cope with my own frustrations and anxieties. Singing familiar songs such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” “Jesus Loves Me,” “You Are My Sunshine,” and (in this season) “Away in a Manger” comes naturally with the oh-so-automatic rocking motions, and since these songs are so familiar, I don’t have to think much at all to sing them. I don’t need an accompanying instrument, I don’t need to think about what key I’m singing in, and I really don’t have to think about the words since I can just hum if I want to. This is especially important for the sleep-deprived! My husband gets in on the singing action, too – no professional training required. (“Daddy’s Going to Buy You a Mockingbird” is his special song!) Plus, these songs that are so special now will continue to be special in our family as our daughter grows up, and maybe someday she will be sharing them with her own family in more precious moments. What a gift to be able to build these musical bonds, even when I can barely see straight! What are the special songs you’ve sung to your little ones or that were important in your family? Please share in the comments section!]]>

6 Comments

  1. Ginny Driscoll on December 17, 2010 at 12:07 am

    I sang “Frere Jacques” and “All the Pretty Little Horses” when my munchkin was little. “Frere Jacques” still works as an automatic relaxation response now, which is wonderful. “All the Pretty Little Horses” was apparently a song my mother sang to me when I was an infant. My grandfather used to sing “You are my Sunshine.” I also like to piggy-back on many, many songs. Sleep will come again soon. Blessings!

  2. Dana Bolton on December 17, 2010 at 12:10 am

    The songs that always remind me of my dad are the “crooner” songs. We had to drive 6-9 hours to visit grandparents, and we often drove at night. I always remembered being curled under a blanket in the backseat as the voices of Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra lulled me into a half-sleep (never did sleep well in cars!). Which of course is why I chose Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” (the “duet” version with Natalie Cole) for the father-daughter dance at my wedding, and probably why we both started crying when daddy started singing it to me! Give your little one a kiss for me, and keep on singing to her!

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