Oct
24
2008
Do you help your child to explore and use their imagination? Making up songs can be a great way to explore and use one’s imagination. This morning I was watching television with my almost two year old daughter. She loves the show, Jack’s Big Music Show. On it several of the characters were making up as song using one of the characters names. It was really fun for them to do and educational too.
That got me to thinking that it would be a fun activity to do with my children, who after all love music. Plus, what child doesn’t like to sing a song that includes their name. This is why personalized music is such a hit with kids. It is music, but more than that it is singing straight to them, and makes them feel special.
So, next time your kids are bored, or maybe you are, why not take some time to make up a song and sing, sing, sing.
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Oct
20
2008
We might not all be able to sing, but I know very few people who don’t like to sing. Even if you are a shower or car diva, singing lifts the spirits. It makes us happy. Here are suggestions for fun and educational Christian musical activities.
Liturgical dancing has taken on a new place in the worship service in churches. Dancers are choosing contemporary Christian music to demonstrate their love for God. The music speaks to them and they identify with it. In this way, they can make the musical expression their own.
The dance troupe in my church includes both kids and adults. The practices can be grueling at times, but it is all for worship and fun. The final performances are moving for us as well as the audience, making it more than worth all the hard work.
Dancing is one musical activity that all kids can get into. One person who is good at dancing can help to choreograph a dance for the kids to learn. This dance can be performed in church, Sunday school, other churches, or a youth center. Music has long been a way to reach out to others and have fun at the same time.
Let’s go back to singing for a bit. I know you don’t want to sing, but consider that it is the feeling and the meaning behind the song that counts. Since you’re still not totally convinced, let the children do the singing in public.
Karaoke is a great way to spend an evening with family. Each person gets a turn to sing their favorite song and be silly. Instead of mainstream music, choose your favorite Christian artist to emulate. You can even dress the part if it makes you feel more comfortable. Even without the fancy dress, kids will jump at the chance to hear their parents sing.
This is a fun activity for family reunions, sleepovers, birthday parties, or anytime you feel like having a good time. Everyone gets to participate and it is for fun not competition. However, you can also choose to do a competition such as a “Christian American Idol.” Make sure you have only draft friendly judges. Leave Simon on the original “American Idol.”
How do you set your feelings to music? There are many ways that kids can do this including dancing and singing. Try some of the ideas above and come up with some of your own with your kids today.
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Oct
18
2008
When I was a kid, the best part was playing. It could be indoors with my sisters or outdoors with my friends. No matter where it was, I loved to play. All kids need have the opportunity to play.
I loved to play games. Before the computer and video games became big business, everyone played fun games like Musical Chairs or Red Rover. Games are fun to play with your family as a whole. Thinking up new games can be fun too. Why not have a dance off, put some music on and jam to the beat. 
Then there are board games too. Good ole classics like Monopoly and Life or even card games like Old Maid and Go Fish. Why not establish a family game night for your family and let everyone enjoy it together. It is not only fun, but can be educational for your children too. Just think of the things they can learn from numbers, to letters, from counting to the art of being a good sport when you don’t win.
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Oct
16
2008
What’s the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of church? For me, it’s all the fun I had as a child. I grew up attending church and it was anything but dull. One way to draw kids into church is through Vacation Bible School. It is typically held for one week during the summer in most churches. Since there is no school, kids don’t have to worry about school work and can instead concentrate on learning about the Bible. The classes are divided into age groups and each lesson is divided into sections: opening, lesson, activities, and closing.
The activities that are conducted will depend on the lesson being taught and the age of the group. Younger kids might sing and make simple crafts that tie into the lesson of the night. Older kids, such as preteens would engage in more complex activities like making necklaces, shirt designs, and things like that. Teenagers might engage in more conversations, role playing, and other games that require a bit more thought. The point was that everyone learned in a different way, appropriate for their age and had a good time.
One of my favorite parts of Vacation Bible School was definitely the music. It was always so fun and upbeat and easy to learn. It would stick in my brain for days. I can even remember some of those tunes today as an adult. They must have really left an impression upon me.
Whoever said church had to be boring obviously didn’t get a chance to learn about God and the Bible in fun, kid-friendly ways like these. It never was boring for me and it doesn’t have to be for the kids of today either.
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Oct
07
2008
I’ve done a lot of rocking lately. Having a new baby you spend quite a bit of time rocking, singing, burping, you know the drill. Babies from as early as in the womb have a love of music. They respond to music and it is good for them to listen to.
Music therefore is a perfect gift for a baby shower or to purchase for yourself and your new baby. I don’t know about you but I want whatever is best for my little angel, and if music is a positive for his development, then I want it to be a part of his life.
That’s why I make sure he has good quality lullaby music to listen to. Even better, like this personalized version where his name is inserted right into the songs. The My Little Angel personalized lullaby music CD does just that. It personalizes the songs with your little angels name right in them.
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Sep
25
2008
The anticipation of Santa arriving on Christmas day has the kids anxiously waiting for Christmas months in advance. The stores begin bringing out their Christmas displays after Halloween and you being to hear the list from each child of what they would like under the tree. In our little town, they have a place to sign each child up to receive a letter from Santa. When each of my boys were younger they anxiously awaited to hear if Santa said they made the “good boy list” this year (and of course they made that list every year).
Another idea is a personalized message from Santa himself. This personalized CD will allow your child to hear Santa wish them a Merry Christmas to them personally. This CD has a special holiday message from Santa, Oliie and other Elves. They are singing and dancing while wishing your kid a Merry Christmas. They will definitely have sugar plums dancing in their head!
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Sep
23
2008
Baby gifts are fun to shop for. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, a baby shower, or a co-worker, there’s nothing more exciting than picking out a few cherished items for mom-to-be and upcoming baby.
As much fun as it can be, when you walk into the store and see all the choices it can be overwhelming. When deciding on what to buy first we think of choosing practical items like diapers, wipes, or burp cloths. But why go with the practical when you can purchase a gift that will be treasured for years to come. A personalized lullaby CD is a CD both the Mom and baby can enjoy. The Mom will love the soothing music while rocking her baby and the personalized CD will expose the child to music and their name. During the middle of the nigh time feedings this will help the baby fall back to sleep and keep Mom relaxed.
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Sep
15
2008
Kids learn a great amount of wisdom from hearing their parents talk. Teaching your little one about Jesus is something you integrate into daily life and daily conversations. One of the ways of doing this is being specific in thanking Him for your blessings and the care he gives you. Another way is by playing music that tells them about Jesus’ love for them.
Anyone who grew up in Sunday school may not remember all the lessons but I bet they remember a few of the songs. Songs like “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, “Jesus Loves Me” and “This Little Light of Mine” are some of the few we remember a lifetime. Personalized Jesus Loves You musical CD will bring these truths to life for your child. They will not only hear music sung just to them but also how much they are loved. So if you are looking for new ways to teach your kids about Jesus, a personalized CD is something they will love.
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Sep
09
2008
The exposure to music has many benefits to your child’s development. Studies have shown that music help kids develop logic abilities. Learning to read is a form of rhythm for example Dr. Seuss. When kids can pick our words in a song they have gained a very important skill. Personalized music is beneficial for babies and toddlers because one of the first things they learn is their name. When they hear their name through the rhythm of music it develops the cognitive ability they will need when learning how to read.
Music also allows them to explore sounds with their voices and to use instruments in their play. This develops their tempo and rhythmic patterns. Music also allows babies and toddlers to express their inner perceptions and thoughts, even before they can articulate how they are feeling. The most important thing of all is that music is fun! There are many games you can play with your child while incorporating music and developing their cognitive ability.
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Sep
08
2008
Bath time for toddlers can be a challenge. Some toddlers make it impossible to get clean while you are trying to entertain them long enough to wash them completely. Not only does it leave your bathroom a mess afterward everyone is in a bad mood. I think Oliver Wendell Homes had it right when he said, “Take a music bath once or twice a week ..”
Toddlers do not have a sense of time so by playing their favorite personalized CD, you can tell them “we are staying in the bath for three songs.” The toddler is entertained while listening to music and you are busy washing them completely. This is the perfect time to play their favorite personalized Christian CD share with them different bible stories and tell them how God love them. Bath time then becomes fun, educational and long enough to clean them completely. Sounds like a win-win situation.
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