Developmental Wednesday #7

Today's developmental post is about singing. I know most people (myself included) don't consider themselves to be a "good singer." The good news is that it doesn't matter if you should be singing on the radio or if you don't ever hit the right note. Your preemie will think that your singing is great no matter what. And singing is a great way to foster development and have fun with your preemie.

Here are some suggestions on how to bring singing into your daily routine with your preemie:

Calming - Preemies can often be calmed down when their parent or caregiver sings to them. Find a song that your preemie likes and sing it whenever your preemie is fussy or needs to be distracted while you do something that he/she doesn't like. My daughter will instantly calm down if we sing Twinkle Little Star and the Itsy Bitsy Spider.

Slow Down - When you are singing to your preemie, slow down so that he/she can really hear the words. The wheels on the bus go round...and....round. Going slowly also gives your preemie a chance to "sing" with you.

Actions/Gestures - If you are singing a song about body parts - point to them as your sing. When you sing "The Wheels On The Bus" song, act out each part. This helps engage your preemie and get him/her really interested in what you are singing about.

Doing everyday things - You can make anything into a song. If you are taking your preemie's socks off you can sing - Taking Anna's socks off, we're taking Anna's socks off, socks off, socks off. You can encourage your preemie to do something like tap his/her toys together - tap, tap, tap your toys, tap your toys together. Whatever works for you. Whatever tune you want.

Routine - Pick a song to sing in the morning, at nap time or nighttime. Creating a routine that includes a song is a nice way to incorporate singing and helps you connect with your preemie.

Good luck and happy singing!!