At the risk of dating myself, I have faint memories from my preschool years of my parents playing old Pat Boone “church song” records on our cabinet stereo as we got ready for church. I’m not really sure why they chose to play those particular records, but our family was very musical so the music part of it makes sense.
Whether you realize it or not, your children’s lives are somewhat of a musical. Their memories will be attached to certain songs or artists. Some songs will bring up emotions from the things that happened when they were popular. Did you know though that thinking of your child’s life as a Christian musical can help their moods and even their behavior right now?
According to an article in the American Academy of Pediatrics Journal, it has been proven over and over that music affects children’s behavior, emotions and even their schoolwork and social interactions. Of course their article went on to analyze the harm that can be caused by listening to unacceptable music – with explicit violent and sexual lyrics.
What if we turned that article upside down though? If “bad” music can have such a negative impact on kids and teens, couldn’t Christian music have an equally positive affect? Could our children’s moods, behavior, emotions and social interactions benefit from listening to lyrics that celebrate God and His principles and commands? What if your child constantly heard music reminding him he is loved beyond compare by God? Or music that reminds her of God’s purposes for her life?
My guess is that at worst it won’t hurt your kids to listen to Christian music and it might even help them. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not at all saying children should never listen to popular music. I enjoy a good (clean) peppy pop tune myself from time to time. What I am suggesting is that in those early years when mom and dad control the music that is heard, make sure at least some of it is Christian music. It may just do more good than you realize!
P.S. Want to wake up a sleepy child or get your kids excited and ready to go or do? Play some “peppy” music. Rend Collective has a couple of songs that are just wonderful for that sort of energy boost.