Babies & Kids Blog » Music

Kid’s TV: The Music of My Life

jessi — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:00:49 +0000

When I met my husband many, many moons ago, my head was filled with all sorts of music. I’ve always loved a variety of genres, so it wasn’t unusual for me to spontaneously burst out into some classic, pre-GAP Aerosmith, or haunting, soulful Phantom of the Opera.

When my babies were born, I’d share my vast lyrical knowledge with them as I rocked them to sleep at night. Of course, I’d modify inappropriate language with cute baby stuff and slow the songs down to fit the mood. You’d be surprised how melodic and slumber-inspiring a Jessi-rendered version of Ice, Ice Baby can be (Think: Sleep, Sleep Baby. ‘Stop. Grab a bah and listen, mommy’s back with some deep relaxation…’) Things were going great. I didn’t have to forfeit my musical preferences, and the boys fell asleep to some rockin’ tunes.

Then they got older. Generally, kids growing up isn’t a bad thing, however, there are some nasty little side effects. For me — not them. Like, for instance, the fact that they choose their own television programs. It’s not so much the shows that get under my skin, because my kids like programs that are designed to teach valuable skills and lessons. My problems stem from the songs associated with the shows. They’re so dang repetitive and, as much as I hate to admit it, catchy.

Before I had children, I had a fanciful, idealistic picture of what I would look like as a mom. Part of that dewy, picturesque mental image was of me standing in the kitchen, smiling as I chopped green peppers and sang along with Etta James, a la Diane Keaton in “Father of the Bride II”. My reality is drastically different. I’m hurriedly throwing pre-peeled baby carrots on plates while I belt out, “I can play anything…on my belly, belly, belly screen,” over and over again, thanks to Bot on Nick Jr.’s Team Umizoomi. I’ll take responsibility for the quickie carrots, but the mind-numbing lyrical torture I subject my family to is all on them; I’m a victim here, too.

Some lines and lyrics will be stuck in my head for a day or two, others can plague me for weeks (for example, the Fruit Salad incident of 2009). There is an upside though. I may not be able to sing all the words to Paper Lace’s The Night Chicago Died at will anymore, but when I tear up my own stylized version of Hot Potato, Hot Potato, my kids think I’m the raddest mom to ever rock a pair of Nikes.

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Who Knew? The Verve Pipe: A Family Album

jessi — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 17:14:49 +0000

Do you remember The Verve Pipe? They became popular in mainstream music during the nineties with songs like “Bittersweet Symphony” and the eerily haunting hit, “The Freshmen.” They’ve since chucked gloomy subjects like suicide and failed relationships, only to turn over a more family-friendly leaf.

Having loved their old sound, as depressing as it was, I was completely blown away when I heard of their latest CD, The Verve Pipe: A Family Album. I couldn’t help but be skeptical. I mean really, how does a band go from crooning about serious adult topics, like abortion, to fun, peppy kid-appropriate music with grace? I really had no option but to investigate further. Luckily, the website for their album allows you to listen to it before ordering. Giving parents a chance to preview the music before spending any cash? Well played, Verve Pipe, well played.

After listening to A Family Album, I can only say, “Wow!” What a turn around. It was nothing like I expected, in a really good way. The album is an adorable mix of goofy songs, like “Suppertime,” and sweet, warm melodies, like “Worrisome One.”

Once I’d had a taste of the tunes, I let my sons listen with me, and they love the album, too. I’m pretty sure we’ll be ordering the CD and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to other parents, either.

You can listen to The Verve Pipe: A Family Album on their site, or enjoy this quirky video for their song, “When One Became Two.”

Video Source: youtube.com/watch?v=KFlcfKPSlT8&feature=related

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Using Music to Spark Your Kids’ Learning

jessi — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:00:03 +0000

Do you ever wonder why you can remember so many lyrics to random songs, but you can’t recall half of what you learned in high school history? You can turn on the radio to an oldies station and belt out the words to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” any day of the week, but listing the first 10 U.S. presidents is a feat of superhuman mind strength.

Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Anyone who listens to music will tell you the same thing. You may not be able to remember lyrics to songs word for word until it’s playing on the radio, but then ZAP! the tune spills out of your mouth with no effort whatsoever. That’s why advertisers use catchy jingles. Not only will you remember their message, but you’ll also find yourself strolling through the supermarket humming it to yourself… or maybe that’s just me.

Music is easy to remember. This is because your brain remembers music differently than it does bare facts. The harmonies and accompaniment stimulate your brain in a different way than reading words from a page or listening to a lecture. The same is true for your kids. When they’re listening to their music, the information is being processed differently than when they’re sitting in a classroom taking in a lesson from their teacher.

So why not mix music with learning? It’s a great tool for long-term memory retention. When I was in high school, I did some tutoring to raise a little gas money. One of the tricks I used to help my little buddy out was to help her think up little ditties to go with the subject matter. Then when she was in a testing situation, she’d sing the song in her head and it would come right out.

I was cruising YouTube and found this neat video, which is a parody of One Republic’s “Too Late to Apologize.” Instead of the song being a woeful lament about a relationship gone wrong, it’s about the United States claiming its independence from Great Britain. It’s fun, uses a familiar, popular sound that kids already love, and it’s just too clever not to pass on.

Learning can be fun, especially when it’s set to music. Whether it’s an awesome video like the one above or a simple little tune you make up together, your kids will have a much better chance of remembering important facts if they’re set to a melody. Their brains will remember it in a different way, and 20 years from now, they’ll still be able to recall it when they’re helping their children with the same homework.

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Best “Clean Up Your Room” Song Ever!

evette — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:00:22 +0000

Who needs “Whistle While You Work”, “A Spoon Full of Sugar” or Barney’s “Clean Up” song when you can sing along to “Pick It Up” from Ya Gabba Gabba! It is a super catchy & cute song. Love it! Watch it here:

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

I read an intersting article from Abc.new.go.com yesterday about how 20 somethings & teens have been watching Yo Gabba Gabba!. The headline that caught my eye was “Nickelodeon Show for Kids or Stoners.”

Read “Nickelodeon Cartoon Draws Unusual Fans” here.

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MSNBC’s “12 Toys For Your Transitioning Tot”

evette — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:05:15 +0000

eBay’s gadget and toy director, Cat Schwartz, has come up with a list of the best gadgets for toddlers:

Kaboost Lightweight Portable Chair Booster Seat: $34.99

Lifts toddlers up to the dinner table so they can eat with the family – Comes in Chocolate, Lime & Natural.

Elmo Live: Pre-sale on August – In retail stores on Oct. 14, 2008

The is the “Most Animated Elmo Doll Ever“ that I discussed not too long ago.

Oregon Scientific Multi-Room Climate Monitor: $89.99

Gives a temperature & humidity reading for up to 3 rooms so you can make sure your child is comfortable. Also, give weather reports for your area.

Okidog Fropper: $69.99

Easy to travel with & store. Also, lots of fun!

Safety 1st Jack Potty: $36.56

This potty uses positive reinforcement to train your child with spinning shapes & music.

Summer Infant Flat Screen Monitoring System: $299.99

Baby survaillance so you can monitor your children from another room.

Discovery Moon In My Room: $29.95

Mount this cool moon shaped lamp in your children’s room & they will have a little light while sleeping.

CARES Kids Fly Safe: $74.79

Use this with the plan seat belt to make sure your child is safe, secure & comfortable.

Made For Me MP3 Player: $69.99

Your toddler can use their own MP3 Player vs. your cherished iPod.

Boon Flo: $13.99

Protect your child’s head, easily rinse out their hair & create a bubble bath with this device.

The Safe Sippy: $14.95

This cool looking sippy cup is made of an environmentally friendly stainless-steel material & is nonleaching.

Step2 Fire Engine Toddler Bed: $169.99

This bed is so cute & will help your child use their imagination.

Click here to read the full article from MSNBC.com.

Rockin’ Lullabies for Your Baby…and YOU!

evette — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:14:51 +0000

Do you ever want to kind of…kill yourself when you have to listen to the same lullaby music over…and over again? I stumbled upon the best lullaby CD’s ever created (in my opinion)! You can sing, hum, or whistle along to the tunes & your baby can start to learn to love great classic bands with these great Rockabye Baby Lullaby Renditions CD’s:

Lullaby Renditions of No Doubt

Price: $11.04

Click here to listen to what these lullabies will sound like.

Lullaby Renditions of Bob Marley

Price: $11.04

Click here to check out these relaxing lullabies.

Lullaby Renditions of The Ramones

Price: $11.04

Click here to check out these rockin’ lullabies.

Other Rockabye Baby Lullaby Rendition artists include: Tool, Led Zeppelin, Green Day, The Rolling Stones, Smashing Pumpkins, The Beach Boys, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, U2, Coldplay & The Cure.

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