So many times, I hear parents says things like, "I hate Barney, the Wiggles (or whatever) I can't stand to listen to that stuff, my kids like the Beatles (or fill-in whatever adult-ish music here). I have to confess: that makes me really sad.
Busy Baby and I were listening to one of his toddler tapes on the way in this morning, nothing with a TV tie-in, just classic tunes every child should grow up with. You know, Old McDonald, Muffin Man, etc. (or if you don't know, just work with me here and think of songs you grew up with).
I started thinking about learning these songs when I was young and realized that my mother and grandmother taught me all of them without the benefit of cassettes, CDs etc. They had been passed down through the generations. Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for the fact that I have these items, primarily because I don't sing all that well, but also because it helps me keep track of the songs I want them to know.
There are so many fine children's shows and music out there that keep these muscial traditions alive and help to create new ones, if you let them. Sure, they may not appeal to you, and if they do, then all the better. But, the reason for these shows is not for us as adults, they are there for the children to like and to learn from.
Now, my kids favor some shows over others, but we are really careful not
to put down or let the older kids put down quality children's TV programs or music. I hate it when really young kids are repeating what their parents or siblings say when they say things like, "I hate Barney (or whatever)." It's just so sad, there's the rest of their lives for adult oriented music. Teach them now, let them love "little kid" music however they like it delivered. There are so many songs that bring such joy to young children and need to be passed down, I don't want them to stop with my generation.
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Roommate's daughter loves the songs from Dragon Tales, and I don't hate them. And I love that TMBG did the theme song for the new Disney show Higgleytown Heros. (Fruit Salad, Yummy, Yummy)
Love the Dragon Tales songs, and that Laurie Berkner is just awesome!! I actually want a 'traditional' CD of children's songs so I can remember (or become familiar with) all those songs...some of them I never heard until I had kids, but I remember my friends in school talking about them, I just never learned them myself.
I think I know all the Wiggles and Barney songs by heart. Now the little one is working on Care Bears. I still can't stand Barney though but she likes him so that's all that matters.
The only "Adult" music my kids hear is classical or smooth jazz. I want my kids to stay kids as long as they can.
Hubby bought a CD/book by Sandra Boynton. A week of camping and we were all hooked. Yep, I'm the mom with two kids, happily singing a song (loudy & badly) about cows at the mall. Ya gotta problem with that?!?
..AA-AAND knowing childrens songs let's you giggle in important business meetings. Expample: In an important meeting a senior executive was preaching about how our comapny needed to be head and shoulders above the rest. The three dads at the conference room table immediately mouthed, "knees and toes, kneees and toes". I was the only one to add, "eyes and ears and mouth and nose". I was asked to leave the meeting until I could control myself.
Our guys have whole collections of childrens songs, and the middle one even has a CD of "pop" songs sung by kids so that he's not so exposed and hung up on the images of adult musicians whose actions are inappropriate for children.
-G
My 2 yr old niece loves music - even "grown-up" music. My sister & I attended a Dave Matthews Band concert while she was pregnant and now my niece will dance around to their music if it's on. She loves her Fisher Price kid's songs cd too though - in fact, my sister & I met Dave Matthews this past summer and he autographed the Fisher Price cd for my niece. I don't think there's a need to cut out any type of music - kids or adult - as long as the kids enjoy it. I totally agree on the no mocking of the kiddie shows though. My niece loves Barney and my 11 yr old nephew is under strict orders not to mock Barney in any way. He had his chance to enjoy that stuff so she gets her chance as well.
We love children's music. Also grown up music.
And there's that stuff in between, like trout fishing in america.
Mary had a little lamb
little lamb, little lamb
mary had a little lamb
she threw it out the window...
We were big Barneyfans for years. I never minded the Barney thing but after three years I did tire of him. When my oldest two were little...10 or 15 years ago...the big things was "Kids Songs". They were videos with kids dancing and singing and a saturday morning show with the same. My kids loved it so much. Iwish I could find them again. My 7 year old would love them.The other music show very popular in the old days was "The Elephant Show".
Skinnamarinkydinkydink. Skinnamarinkydoo. I - Love - You!
Some of Tony's favorite songs are from a CD that includes his name. The songs are cute, upbeat, sensable and senseless, ones that are easy to get into your head and never get back out.
He has a radio tuned to a local classical music station always playing in his room. Sometimes I have to tell him to turn it down because he's turned it up to loud. Yeah, classical music. Yep, he's five-years-old.
My daughter and I live in Germany. We went to the Sesame Street Live show here (Sesame Strasse) and the dialog was all in German, and the songs were all in English. I was really amazed how the children in the audience all responded to the songs, even though most didn't know English. Even though we don't speak German, Kennedi LOVED the show!!
good children's music we never get tired of listening to includes Trout Fishing in America (especially Alien in my Nose), John Flynn, Big Kidz Band, Kermit Unpigged (out of print, check eBay), and of course Weird Al. I also feel obligated to ensure my children know who The Beatles are as well as George Gershwin, Ella Fitzgerald, Mozart, Jimmy Buffett and John Hiatt.
I absolutely agree and my husband and I still miss all the Winnie the Pooh we watched. I hate kids growing up too fast and parents thinking that's "cool". NO WAY!
We have Sandra Boynton's first CD (Philadelphia Chickens) and it is fantatic. It sounds very Broadway with stars such as Kevin Bacon, Laura Linney, Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline singing the songs. Very addictive. Many mornings I find myself still listening and singing along way after I have already dropped Jed off. We'll probably get the 2nd one for him for Christmas and possible a Laurie Berkner or two.
My step-daughter was always criticizing The Wiggles but I told her that if it help to feed Jed's love of music, we will keep it on. He loves music (especially Laurie Berkner or any other song on Noggin). We watch a lot of Noggin and Disney and he pretty much ignores what is on TV unless there is good music playing and then his full attention is on the TV until the song is over. I want to expose him to as much music as possible and have a feeling he will love music as much as his dad and sister.
I love kid songs...
I'm my own grandpa...
My name is Cheech and I am a school bus driver...
I sing them alllll the time. LOL
Being a musician myself I made a CD for my children when they were born!! I went to a recording studio and went to town.
To me it's amazing because Hula Girl at 7 she seriously has amazing pitch!!! Hula Boy is a bit monotone right now but he's getting it!!
Music is so important.
Asking HG what her favorite songs I sang to her were...."Edelweiss", "Down in the Valley", and of course, "Twinkle Twinkle".
Later on I'll teach her, "Grandma's in the celler...oh Lordy can't ya smell her...!!! That one ought to be a hit at grandma's!! LOL
A great set of fun music that even the parents will enjoy can be found in the Veggie Tales line from Big Idea. Upfront Advisory: this is a Christian company, but if that is not your pot of tea, fear not: any "religious" message is very simple ("God loves you", stuff like that). But most of their silly songs are just that - plain ol' silly, and lots of fun. Favorties: "Cebu", "Pirates Who Don't Do Anything", and "Where Is My Hairbrush?". No songs entitled, "Follow This Religion Or You're A Doomed Weasel".