At the moment I am researching children's popular music - looking at children's TV programmes and the music that they have at home or listen to in the car. What strikes me is how most of this music is cheerful and lively, as if we expect children always to be happy and full of fun.
Our moods vary, and while lively music may be just what we need at some moments, at others we want to relax or wind down with something calming and gentle. Music can tap into our moods and help us to manage them. As adults, we can do this for ourselves, but children need adults to help them unwind or 'wind up' when the situation demands.
One London nursery set up a restful area with soft cushions, dimmed lighting and gentle 'mood' music, so that children who needed a little peace and solitude could crawl in for some 'time out'.
This month's CD (the terrible title is misleading), 'Classic Weepies', is a selection of slow music, sometimes quite sombre, but all for quietening down. I have seen 'down-winding' music used for children who spend long periods of their day in nursery. As the children settle for a nap the staff play the music very quietly while soothing the children, as they lay down, with gentle massage on their backs and shoulders.
Peer massage to music - children gently rubbing one another's backs, or perhaps holding their hands in both of their partner's hands and gently moulding them - is being introduced in some early childhood settings. It not only has a soothing effect on both giver and receiver, but also helps to develop social bonds between the children.
* Classic Weepies
Label: Elektra, 9.99
ASIN: B00000EXBE