Embedding Health Messages in Songs

By: Christine Cox of Choosy Kids

My 2-year-old and I were driving in the car the other day and she said, “Mommy, play horse from your phone.” I knew what she wanted…to listen to her favorite song, “Dark Horse” by Katy Perry. She just likes it because of the beat and isn’t old enough to understand what they are sublimely singing. Of course, I turned it on, and she danced in her car seat as happy as could be, but it got me thinking about what she could learn from music.

Music resonates with children of all ages and they naturally move, dance and sing their favorites over and over again. My child has a very eclectic taste in music and enjoys songs that get her up and dancing her groove thang!! Whether she realizes it or not, dancing is a great workout, even if she only does it for the duration of the song. Besides getting up and moving, there are other benefits to listening to the ‘right’ kind of kid’s music.

Choosy Kids, a company that focuses on health and nutrition for children and families, has created music that gives directional guidance to children, allowing them to elevate their heart rate while increasing their vocabulary about moving, nutrition and healthy habits. It is music that I personally enjoy listening to on repeat and that my little one loves to dance to. Sure, the songs get stuck in your head but that is the point! When your children listen to “Brush My Smile” over and over again, the messages about needing to keep their teeth clean may stick with them allowing a healthy dental habit to form. Additionally, songs about their body teach them that moving makes you happy, your heart healthy and allow your body to grow. And for those who are too little to know what their arms, legs, and head are, it may teach them their body parts and how to get them moving!

Children understand happiness and growth, but it is the health message that is a little harder to teach.

This is an important message because so many American children are said to be obese at such young ages and it is an epidemic that needs to be changed. By listening to Choosy Kids’ music, children can learn about making healthy choices and sharing their experiences with family and friends as this music can be effective for initiating a discussion about healthy behaviors, signifying transitions or simply allowing children to have fun and be expressive while moving. Now don’t all of those things sound much better than trying to explain what “Dark Horse” means? I know that day will come, but for now, I am going to stick to listening to songs that she can move, groove and dance to that will provide her with healthy messages.

Great Resources for Music and Songs with Healthy Messages for Kids

• Health Songs for Kids: Links to more than 20  songs with positive health messages.
• Songs that Teach Children About Their Bodies, Healthy Habits, Fitness, and Illness.
• Preschool Education Music & Songs: Health & Safety, Handwashing, and Hygiene.
• 7 Toothbrushing Tunes Kids (and Parents) Will Love!
• Action Songs: Kids' Movement, Exercise, Fitness & Participation Songs.

Christine Cox is the blog master for Choosy Kids. She has always had a passion for writing and is honored to contribute her work to this blog. Most of her writing inspiration comes from her daughter, Capri, who is fun-loving and full of energy.