The Magic of Row, Row, Row Your Boat

The Christmas before Patrick was born I received a special gift. Both my parents said to me, "Rose, it's time. You are going to be a mom and it's time to go back." Without any more conversation I knew exactly what they meant. It was time to get back into playing the piano. And, since I have the best parents in the world, a beautiful, sleek, electric piano was delivered to me! Sitting down on the bench and allowing my fingers to become reacquainted with the ivory and black keys was simply amazing. Just like riding a bike, my fingers just knew the right keys to press to make it come alive.

Early in Patrick's life the piano became a necessity to soothe him - I would put it on auto play and walk around my dining room table endlessly shushing and hoping he would go to sleep. I knew every song by heart. Then, I bought a children's song book, which contained all the classics. From time to time we sit together and play some of our favorites, and I have to say, both of my kids LOVE Row, Row, Row your boat.

We were singing row row over the weekend and my husband and I both noticed Shannon sitting on the floor legs out in front of her, moving her body back and forth like a boat. At less than 1 year old, she is able to remember a song and sing along! We even thought we heard her babbling along while we sang.
During that very same moment, Patrick was in a plastic crate (his boat) singing along. After singing to him for over 2 years, it is so fulfilling to hear him finally singing the words along with me, and even singing the song on his own.

Songs are fun to sing anytime! Some of our favorites are Row, Row, Row Your Boat, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Old MacDonald, Bringing Home a Baby Bumblebee, Wheels on the Bus, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Hot Dog Song, and 3 Little Birds.

Load some kids songs on your iPod, buy a children's cd, search on youtube for some songs that your child might like to hear.
Sesame Street rewrites songs by well known artists, which is quite entertaining.


Challenge Today - Be active while singing with your child today. Notice his/her movement and mood. I'd love to hear some of your favorites!