The Benefits Of Introducing Music To Foster Children

While music is sometimes viewed as less important in the curriculum compared to STEM subjects, it has a lot of benefits for kids. Music can play a useful role at home, too. This is especially true for foster kids, as music therapy and play can help support positive relationships between foster parents and children. If you are thinking of trying music therapy or your foster child wants to learn a musical instrument, there are some reasons why music is beneficial.

Music and Brain Development

There is a strong link between music and brain development. Exposure to music in early childhood has been found to help kids acquire language and reading skills because it stimulates the left side of the brain, which is involved in language and reasoning. In addition, when a child learns to play a musical instrument, it can help them with maths. Research has shown that children who study music and learn an instrument achieve better results at school.

Music Therapy and Relationships

It isn’t always easy to build positive relationships with foster children. Many come from abusive homes and have deep-seated emotional issues. Many foster care agencies recommend music therapy because it can be very beneficial in promoting positive attachments, better communication skills, and positive shared experiences.

Attending music therapy sessions with your foster child is an opportunity to develop stronger parent-child bonds in a safe environment. You’ll have a chance to sing, listen to music, and play instruments. This allows kids and parents to express emotions and explore issues in a non-verbal way. In time, it will help your family build stronger bonds and create a sense of togetherness.

Improve a Child’s Self-Esteem

Due to poor early life experiences, foster children may come to you with low self-esteem. Learning to play a musical instrument can be an important tool in building self-esteem. It requires consistent practice, patience, and hard work to learn to play an instrument. If a child is willing to put the work in, they will see results over time. As their skill at playing the instrument grows, it is something they can be proud of, which will give them a confidence boost.

A Chance to Express Difficult Feelings

Music is strongly linked to emotions. Listening to and playing music helps us express emotions and deal with anger, pain, confusion, and sadness, all of which are emotions foster kids often experience. Younger children may struggle to express difficult emotions and feelings. Playing percussion instruments can help them channel their emotions. Singing songs and listening to music they enjoy may help them calm down or better express how they are feeling. Older children can use music as a way to express emotions too, by playing music they enjoy and also writing song lyrics to express difficult emotions.

Improve Social Skills

Music can help children improve their social skills if they play together in a group. It is also a good opportunity for foster kids to make new friends at school and in the local community.

Don’t underestimate the power of music. It has huge benefits and can help foster kids form strong relationships with carers as well as boost self-esteem and emotional awareness.