Music Matters

During this special season, many people are playing the music of the holiday. However, as far back as I can remember, music has always been a very important part of my life. My parents played music in our home all the time. They would also take me to concerts and musicals. I was a member of the choir in my school and at my church. In elementary school I learned to play the flute. Even today, I enjoy different types of music. And music can affect my mood. During this Christmas season when I hear Nat King Cole singing "The Christmas Song" on the radio, it brings back fond memories from my childhood.  And I'll admit, I have followed that same pattern with my children. I began playing music to them while they were in the womb. I have exposed them to all types of music; from Mozart to MJ. And I'm not doing it because of tradition, but because of the benefits music can bring. A study from St. John's University and Iona College says that music aids in memory development and retrieval as early as three months of age. So if you start playing music to your infant today, it could have a positive effect on their motor skills and creative thinking in the future! There is some type of music for everyone to enjoy. Find your melody and add music to your child's life year-round.

Christmas Music in the Air

When I turned on my car radio the Monday morning after Halloween, I got a surprise.  One of our local radio stations here in Columbus, Ohio was playing Christmas music. In fact, they'll keep playing holiday tunes until Christmas morning. That means we'll hear songs about Frosty, Rudolf and the Little Drummer Boy 24 - 7 until December 25.  My Daughters and I are loving it!  My husband not so much. He thinks it's too early.  What do you think?