Music and its impact on child health

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When we think of giving our child's education in music, we consider their inborn interest or talent. We spot them taking interest in music or hear them singing nicely and get them enrolled in some music classes. Often we also consider getting them engaged in some sort of extracurricular activities that may kill some of their idle time. We of course, never think of the possibility of any health benefit out of it. 

Although, we have heard about that music soothes the mind and is good for mental peace, we seldom take it as having serious health benefits. Numerous scientific researches have been conducted on the possible health benefits of music for children. Let us have some clear idea about whether music really plays some important part in the development of children.

First, consider singing of a child without any proper training. Every child starts singing naturally after hearing songs and most of us make the child sleep by singing a song. So, singing comes naturally to a child and comes without any sort of encouragement. Thus, the relationship between a child and music begins at an early age. They of course need some professional help at some point of time, whereas some of them possess gifted talents and can sing well without any professional training.

Therefore, the development of a child's brain and its association with music cannot be overlooked. If a child starts playing a musical instrument, then both halves of the child’s brain (the left and right) get activated and stimulated simultaneously. The left side of the brain is stimulated with logical thinking while the right with creative ideas. So, musical instruments can develop both the brains at the same instances. It can be considered a good exercise for your child’s brain.

Performing with wind musical instrument also helps your child in developing better lung capacity, cardiovascular enhancement, healing respiratory problems, benefits the throat muscles and also the vocal chords. Music also develops a better memory, improves hearing, creates a rhythm sense and imparts the sense of time as well as tempo.

Music can also improve problem in speech like stuttering and selective drills along with music and help many child eliminate this problem in speaking. Often problems of any kind related to speech make the child slower in the learning process compared to the other kids of the same age. Music has again proved effective in these situations. Problems in speech actually deprive a child with valuable information and should not be taken as lightly. 

Therefore, child development goes hands on. They are more interdependent than we think. Giving your child a music education irrespective of the child’s talent on music may actually help the child in better development. They will pick up languages and science better through music education.

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