December 4, 2009

The Power of Music


Music is the cure-all for every negative emotion. That is what people who appreciate good music always say. Notably, people who have children who play the trumpet or saxophone in middle school marching bands rarely say this.

When you are feeling sad/frustrated/irritated/overwhelmed/scared, humming your favorite tune will put you and everyone around you in a cheery mood.

I tried this tactic this morning at the breakfast table. When my children threatened to riot over the flavor of oatmeal I served, I felt inspired to sing "It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To."

Strangely, my singing did not reduce the hostility in the room, but rather increased it.

I am confused.

29 comments

Anonymous said...

My mother used to sing that every time I was a grump. Always made me more mad. Funny how that works, lol

Kami said...

You picked that up from MY mom, didn't you? Whenever we fought, she would start singing "Love At Home" really loudly. It took me years of marriage to get over hating that hymn.

Rene said...

You should have started with "You Better Watch Out" Song should be renamed "A Christmas Warning". It never worked with my kids, but I got to know the song pretty well.

Annie said...

My mom sang "You can't always get what you want" to me and my brothers. While hilarious to look back on now, I was so NOT amused at the time.

Try it!

Anonymous said...

My mom's choice of song was... "It's a hard knock life, for you." That didn't help get us in a better mood, either.

TheQueen@TerrorsInTiaras said...

I get an all out mutiny when I sing, "There is beauty all around, when there's love at home..."

Mandie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mandie said...

When we were fighting, my mom always sang the primary song "We are a Happy Family". Looking back on it, I think she was trying to convince herself, not us kids.

Jen said...

Our pastor quotes scripture at his 10 and 12yo sons. "Do everything without complaining or arguing....", from Philippians. :)

Jen@Scrapingirl said...

Tomorrow, serve chocolate cake and maybe they'll start singing "Mom is great, she gives us chocolate cake!" That'll get your day rolling. :)

Mary said...

ahhhh yes sometimes being a mom has it's rewards!

Anonymous said...

I just don't think they get the irony at this age. Maybe you should add some dancing? That always cracks my kids up.

I think there could be an age/type of music correlation.

Today my two year old got caught ransacking the tinsel for the tree and tried to hide it under the fridge, funny yes but he still got in trouble and was mad at me for it. Until we got in the car and played the all Christmas all the time station and he was just bopping along like it was the best concert ever!

Mrs. Ohtobe said...

It must be a universal kid rule cuz mine are the same way. Of course it prolly didn't help that I would let them call shot gun if they sang Boccelli (in Italian) with me whenever we had to go some where.....

Anonymous said...

Hilaroous. I think I have a mom crush on you.

myolie said...

i think the choice of music is important too( i bet if you sing bad romance by little gaga, they would stop and if you have a matching choreography it would have been amazing). ^ ^ have a nice evening

Anonymous said...

Heh...THE hills are aliiiiiiiveeeee....with the sound of muuuusiiiic.....oh oh oh....


Need I mention my singing voice can make birds fall from the sky dead.

Shuts them up every time. Actually, they go and hide for hours afterwards.

Brooke said...

I too break into song with the Rolling Stones "oh you can't always get what you waaant".

It never helps the situation, but keeps me from losing it.

The Four Week Vegan said...

I have a son that plays the trumpet and one that plays the sax. I so understand that statement. I sing all the time much to my children's dismay - that makes it all the more fun.

reen said...

I had a song I sang to my children when they were small. It was composed by myself to the tune of Matchmaker, Matchmaker and was called nose picker, nose picker. My children hated it, but there is not a nose picker among them now!!!
I'm so proud.

Julie Harward said...

This is so true...I have seen kids fighting or being miserable, have put on some primary music, instantly the spirit is there and they are calm. Picking up toys is FUN to do to music. The grumpies are chased away by Mom starting to sing a silly song. Music never fails, it is the lauguage of the heart! Come say hi :D

Donna said...

My husband threatens to sing when the kids are being out-of-control. They immediately stop horsing around.

Karen said...

I can see where they might be upset...perhaps the sarcasm of the song choice had something to do with it?

Anonymous said...

Maybe you needed to sing it louder?
Melissa in Durham

Working Mommy said...

Maybe it has the opposite effect for children???

~WM

Malea said...

Blech, my childhood song that my parents would sing is "there is sunshine in my soul today".

Malea said...

Actually, now that I think about it, my kids are probably so over me hunching over like the skeksies in the Dark Crystal saying, "please, please make peace".

Momfever said...

Well, I certainly can appreciate your lyrics!

Michelle said...

Hahaha!! I love it! :) I sing that one to my boys as well, but I also like "Nobody loves me, everybody hates me" I do my best to cheer them up with that song, but so far it never has. Hmmm go figure!

Anonymous said...

Everytime I sing, my 2 year old screams "NOOOOOO, MOM, NOOOOOOOOOO!" And holds up her hands in a threatening manner. lol.