For those new to my blog, I’m an advocate for early childhood education because the human brain develops the most from 0-6 years old. Whatever children experience during this window of time makes a huge impact on their lives. At the same time, I know life (and the world) happens, and we can’t always protect our children from everything. That’s okay! There are still going to be so many opportunities to help our kids. The more we care for them throughout their entire development, the more they’ll be able to care for their children- and for our world!
(I also want to say at this time that I am a genuine person and not AI. This blog is older than AI, and so am I! [Insert plug for reading my past articles here]. Also I can write good too- haha funny, actually not funny in a horrible, soul crushing way).
I start my blog like this today because I want to address again the impact of stress on families during the holiday season- as a human, parent, and teacher who has experienced this phenomenon many times now. We all want our little ones to experience the magic and joy of the season, but no matter how much support or resources you may have, the “perfect” holiday doesn’t really exist for anyone.
The added pressure of bringing joy during the holidays may push us past our limits at times. This pressure is added on to the additional stresses we feel with the colder weather and shorter hours of daylight- and possibly more sugary treats and less playtime for your little ones outdoors. The result is everyone ends up cranky! You are not the only one.
So- what can we do about this? Try singing! By using your familiar voice rhymically, your little ones will already have an ear just for you! (Teachers- that sing-song voice you use gets the attention of your young students)! In addition, with its required deeper breathing, science has shown that when we sing, our own stress hormones decrease. If we can sing while our little ones interact with the music by “attuned” listening, with movement, and their own increasing ability to sing, it’s a win-win and everybody will calm down.
It’s likely that this increased stress brought about all of our traditional songs we sing around the holidays. “Ring-a-ting-a-ling” and “Ring Your Bells for Kindness” are new ones I wrote to add to this well of peaceful resources for your family. They are designed to be easy to sing. The bright sound of a jingle bell will also add to changing the mood to one of levity around your house. (Pro tip- make your own jingle bell like the one here with ONE jingle bell attached. That way the sound won’t become too loud and annoying).
1. "Ring-a-ting-a-ling" by Margot Bevington © 2024
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
Jingle bell ring
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
We ring and sing
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
Kindness and care
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
Love everywhere
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
Magic and fun
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
Ring-a-ting-a-ling
For everyone
Ring-a-ting-a-ling (4x)
1. "Ring Your Bells for Kindness" by Margot Bevington © 2024
Hear the bells' joyful ring
Ring them while we sing
Jingle bells, fill the air
We bring joy to share
Ring your bells for kindness
For friends who show they care
Ring your bells for empathy
For friendship everywhere
It’s our wish to be kind
With our heart and mind
With our song, We bring fun
Love for everyone
Ring your bells for kindness
For friends who show they care
Ring your bells for empathy
For friendship everywhere
For all those who might need
Caring friends today
We’ll let love take the lead
As we sing and play
Ring your bells for kindness
For friends who show they care
Ring your bells for empathy
For friendship everywhere
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