The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms

Congratulations to Elly, Sweet Panda and Gingermommy – the three lucky winners of a copy of Walk ‘n’ Roll

After releasing my brand new CD of rockin’ kids’ music, “Walk ‘n’ Roll,” last month, the authors of The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms invited me to be a guest blogger on their site. So, it got me thinking about what would be a good topic for you, their readers. Here’s what I came up with: a survival guide for listening to kids’ music in the mini-van!

As a children’s musician, I often hear parents say that the kids’ music they have to listen to over and over in the mini-van or at home drives them crazy! As a songwriter for children and a former school music teacher, I take this to heart and always strive to write songs that both kids and parents can enjoy together.

Here are my survival tips:

1. Keep it fresh.

There are lots of great contemporary children’s musicians and groups out there right now. Your tots and preschoolers will only know about them if you introduce the music to them. If you have a highly-annoying kids’ CD in heavy rotation in your car or home, rest assured there are real people making music for kids. It might just be a matter of looking beyond what your kids see on TV when introducing them to music. Negotiate music in the mini-van ahead of time by creating favourite playlists on your iPod or MP3 player. Also, establish a DJ rotation. Have your daughter or son choose the first album, then have mom/dad choose the second album, etc.

2. Take a pre-emptive strike on extreme repetition.

When kids hear something they like, they will want to hear it over and over. This is a fact, so deal with it! You can prepare by exposing them to music you can enjoy together, whether it be kids’ music, classical, folk, rock, blues or pop. Imagine being a kid again. Every time you hear a new song, it is like a great discovery! Music is a special treat for the ears. It is an amazing experience every time. Kids will learn this as they get older but for the time being they aren’t sure about trying something new. As adults, we are guilty of this as well when choosing our favourite music, foods, authors… There is an infinite amount of fantastic music out there for kids and adults. Take the first step by encouraging variety and both you and your kids will benefit.

3. Take your kids to live shows.

The arts, specifically music, are an integral part of being human. Therefore, kids should experience music and the arts as it was meant to be experienced – live. Take them to a live concert or festival. Music is a communal experience. When it is shared, it builds community and a sense of togetherness between kids and parents in the audience, and even between performers and the audience. The human quality of music is so often lost in our society so dominated by technology. If kids only hear music on TV, iPods, and in cars, they will be deprived of a deeper understanding of music, how they can participate in it or make music themselves.

I hope these survival tips will enhance your experience of music with your kids in the mini-van and beyond.

Will Stroet

Giveaway!!!  Will is kindly giving away 3 copies of his newly released CD ‘Walk ’n’ Roll’ to our readers. To enter simply pop to Will’s site and tell us in a comment below the name of one of the tracks on the new CD.

For bonus entries:

• Like The Survival Guide for Rookie Moms on facebook
• Like Will Stroet on facebook
• Follow @WillKidsMusic on Twitter 
• Retweet this giveaway on Twitter (can be done once per day):

“ Enter to win a copy of “Walk ’n’ Roll” by kids’ musician @WillKidsMusic via @RookieMommy http://wp.me/PC8a1-1Dy “

Please be sure to leave a separate comment below for each of your bonus entries.

• Giveaway is open to Canadian residents only
• Winner will be drawn at random
• Contest closes December 31st 2010

Bilingual children’s entertainer Will Stroet, a two-time Western Canadian Music Award nominee, connects with kids through high-energy, interactive and educational music in English and French. From folk to rock to pop inspired tunes about active living, sports, animals and the environment, Will’s guitar-driven music appeals to kids of all ages. Check out more about Will and his music at http://www.willmusic.ca/. Watch fun music videos at www.youtube.com/willstroet.

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