Even when children are young, you can foster that musical spirit within. Toddlers love to make noise, don’t they? I know mine does. He also loves to dance to the beat of the music on Nick Jr. or Playhouse Disney. Want to start that musical spark in your little one? Here are a few ways.

CDs geared toward kids

When I was younger, my mom would purchase different fun and religious kid song cassette tapes for me. I specifically remember Patch the Pirate. Find some great CDs for your kids and listen to them with your toddler. Incorporate an activity at the same time, such as building with blocks, drawing, playdough, etc. Some suggestions might be Seeds Family Worship, Patch the Pirate (has both stories and music), Maestro Classics, old records found in thrift stores, Sesame Street CDs, etc. You can even find kids music on iTunes or Amazon. My boys love to pick out CDs at the library, as well. That way we’re not spending anything, but they’re still getting to pick out a variety of what they like.

Homemade Instruments

Toddlers love to bang on things, so why not get out the pots and pans, the lids, and the wooden spoons? Let him form his own music. Make a drum out of an old oatmeal can. Put some rice or beans in a toilet paper roll (closed on both ends with something sturdy), and let him shake it to his heart’s content along with his favorite music. Get creative to see what all you can come up with. The sky’s the limit.

Have an Instrument?

If you have a piano, open it up and let your toddler try it out for himself. Let him feel and play the keys, one by one. Let him listen to the sounds and teach him how not to bang on the keys (this’ll come with time). Don’t discourage him from exploring, no matter what instrument you have, as long as he is carefully supervised.

Keep Music Playing

When you’re at home and doing things around the house, put some music on and let it play. Whether it be classical, jazz, blues, etc., expose your kids to music from an early age. Playing classical music while doing creative projects only helps to foster even more focus and creativity in the long run.

Musical Activities

Take your kids to different musical activities/plays/shows/etc. Maybe even form a musical playgroup in your area. If you homeschool, check out your options within local homeschool groups.

No matter what, never underestimate your child and the power of music within his life. Music can be an exciting way to bond with your child, to help him learn, and to help him grow.