When I became a mother, I started singing to my daughter. I’d always heard people say mothers should sing to their children. So I did. I remembered nursery rhymes and songs I’d learned as a child. And I found that my daughter loved music. She loved cuddling or dancing while I sang.

There were times of the day when things weren’t going quite right. You know those times - trying to get her shoes on, getting her dressed, changing a diaper. So I started singing, making up songs about what we were doing. What a difference! She calmed down and listened. I especially loved to sing about her toes.

One little, two little, three little piggy toes.

Four little, five little, six little piggy toes.

Seven little, eight little, nine little piggy toes.

Ten little piggy toes on your feet.

She loved this much more than the traditional ‘This Little Piggy Went to Market’.

What does brain research say about using music?  Neurobiologists have discovered that music stimulates regions of the brain that are responsible for memory, motor control, timing, and language.

Parents do what comes naturally, and it helps their children learn. It explains why teachers of young children find it effective to use songs and rhymes to teach counting.

Find something fun to count today, and make up your own song. Your children will love it!