7 CREATIVE WAYS TO MAKE MUSIC A PART OF PLAYTIME

Keeping your child entertained at home all day can be a difficult task for any parent, especially on a budget. Tixylix is here to inspire you with some little tricks to try with ordinary items you most probably already have at home.

Here are 7 fun and creative ways to entertain your child with music:

Have a dance competition

There are always popular songs being released that have their own dance moves. Does Gangnam Style ring any bells? Ask your kids to teach you one of these dances, then hold a dance-off in your front room. You can even teach them some dance moves from when you were a kid, too. 

Play musical bumps

Don't have enough chairs or space for a game of musical chairs? Try this fun version of the classic party game that only needs yourselves, enthusiasm, and some boppy music. Start your music and dance while it plays. When the music stops all players need to sit down (the last one to sit is out) - keep going until only the winner is left. If you only have one child, make it a race to sit down before mummy or daddy opens their eyes.

Make musical shakers

Make your own musical shakers by putting a small amount of dried rice, beans, sand, or pebbles inside empty plastic bottles or containers. Glue the caps securely to the bottles. Reinforce them by covering the caps with masking tape and shake away. For a little extra fun, you could let your little one create their own drawing to wrap around their new shaker.

Family band time

As a parent, you’ll know first hand children love to make noise. Pull out pots, pans, bowls, empty milk cartons, whatever you have on hand, and let your little one go to town on them with a wooden or plastic spoon. Letting your little one go wild will help expel some of the pent up energy during the day, hopefully making bed time a little easier.

Mood music

Tape large pieces of paper to a table or the floor, popping different coloured crayons around. Play a distinctive type of music, such as pop, dance, or country, and watch what the music inspires your child to draw. Encourage them to be expressive by asking them to draw how the music makes them feel. Don't be surprised if your little one starts dancing as they draw!

Dance what you hear

Let your child’s imagination shine by playing songs with different tempos and asking them to dance to the beat. Encourage them to speed up if the music is fast and take it easy when it slows down. Join in the fun, we won't judge if you want to slow slide on your belly during a ballad or jumping jacks while a dance song plays. See if it's child or parent that can come up with the most interesting move!

Host a performance show

Bring out your child's inner star by letting them put on their very own show. Make a big deal throughout the day and give them scheduled rehearsal time in their room, you could even set up a mini stage ready for show time. Dim the lights and set up their favourite teddies as the audience. Your little one will love being the centre of attention, and it’ll help develop their confidence and social skills.