Singing “Couch and Underwear” (Ages 3-8)
Singing is a recreation almost all of us can do, but few of us do well. Because we don’t do it well, we do it, rarely. We do it in the shower, because no one is around, and we sound amazing. We do it at places of worship, because everyone’s around, and no one can tell we don’t sound quite so amazing. We do it while driving alone in our car, where generally no one notices or cares.
I’m sorry, but this isn’t quite good enough. It’s time to abandon your pride and self-consciousness, and sing along with your child. I don’t mean burst out in show tunes, with three part harmonies backed by a 50-piece orchestra. I mean, sit on the couch, in your underwear, singing: “Flintstones, meet the Flintstones. They’re the modern stone age family. From the, town of . . . ”
It doesn’t matter what you sing, where you sing, how you sing, or why you sing—just sing. Television sitcom themes, traditional children’s songs, commercial jingles, sixties surfing tunes, nursery rhymes, camp ditties, Lithuanian work songs, whatever. If you or your child know the words, then the song is a candidate.
Yes, I know it is tough to peel off this layer of yourself; nevertheless, after a time, you will forget you are tone deaf. Other people around won’t, but you won’t care. You and your child will be having a ball. Just keep singing and remind all those with their hands over their ears, that your child is profiting in the following 10 ways:
1. Expressing personalities
2. Improving memorization
3. Bettering moods
4. Becoming more extroverted
5. Banking fond memories
6. Bonding with parents
7. Expressing joy
8. Improving verbal skills
9. Developing music appreciation
10. Expending energy
“ . . . Bedrock. They’re a page right out of history. Let’s ride, with the family down the
street . . . ”
It’s tough to stop, once you get started.
Rex Bowlby is the father of two boys. He is the author of the book, Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box? (101 Ways to Make the Most of Your Children, With the Least from Your Wallet*) *For parents with children ages 3-8. He lives in Los Angeles, California, USA.