Laugh,
Dance, and Sing TogetherA nurturing home is a place where parents and children can relax and unwind from the pressures of the day. Laughing, singing, and dancing are the fastest ways to transform worries into celebration. Having fun together will strengthen your family and foster easy, honest relationships among all of you. And as your children grow they are much more likely to enjoy being with the family if everyone is having a good time.A home filled with music is an exciting place to be. Begin when the children are young by sharing lullabies from your childhood. Create personalized versions of favorite tunes. Encourage your children to teach you songs they’ve learned, and let them check out tapes from the library. Play music when you’re doing the dishes; do a little jig when you’re shaking up the orange juice. Your kids will get a kick out of it and you’ll contribute to a pleasant home life that includes good-natured fun; but, more important, you’re creating an atmosphere where family members can be easygoing with each other, which is critical to open communication, especially with teens.
Ed and Clarice practiced the tango in the family room as their two boys rolled on the floor laughing hysterically. They had so much fun they did it over and over. And while sharing these moments of laughter with their children, they just about mastered the tango.
Bill’s kids can tell when he’s home, because the stereo is cracking. He listens to everything—Mozart, Bach, the Beatles, Elton John. Although the kids tease him about his taste in music, they like it too, but for a different reason—it’s comforting to know that Dad is enjoying himself.
Introduce your children to all kinds of music; there’s nothing like it for pleasure and relaxation, and it is so easily shared. Some studies indicate that babies respond to soothing music even before they’re born. One mother I know loved to dance and piped music throughout the house. She told her children, “Music is nourishment for your soul.” Although she never forced them, they all were exposed to her passion at an early age; and it probably won’t surprise you to know that each child easily learned to play musical instruments. When traveling in the car, singing helps pass the time. On errands around town, Lynne makes sure she has a wide variety of music tapes to keep the kids entertained.
Laughter serves as a bridge between you and your child, bringing you closer. Laugh often; tell little jokes without poking fun or teasing. Look at the humorous side of life. When laughter and music are common threads running through your encounters with your child, family life is more exciting, and precious memories are made. Have a song in your heart. Be free with your laughter, spontaneous with your dance, and your children will think of you with a twinkle in their eye.
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