Picture Julie Andrews twirling through the Alps, singing her heart out as the children join in harmony. That's the magic of The Sound of Music—but you can bring that joy home too, even without a mountain backdrop. As a parent who's turned singing into our family's secret weapon, I've seen firsthand how fun songs make parenting smoother and more enjoyable.
I may not live in the Alps or have a perfect pitch, but belting out tunes with my kids has become our daily ritual—sometimes to the point of excess! Here's how we do it.
Table of contents
Everyone knows music lifts the mood—I have a go-to playlist for tackling tough chores, and it turns dread into dance. The same magic works for kids: think tidying-up songs, coat-on anthems, bedtime ballads, and tooth-brushing hits. No ready-made tune? No problem—just make one up.
Read also: Brushing your teeth is fun with the Oral-B Disney Magic Timer
Yes, creating songs is easier than you think. Borrow a familiar tune from kids' favorites like K3, Kabouter Plop, 'Papagaaitje Leef Je Nog,' or 'Vader Jacob.' It's short, repetitive, and rhyme-optional. Examples: "Brush teeth, brush teeth, up and down, back and forth, up and down, one last time!" Or "Get your shoes, get your jacket, do it quick, Mama's here to help, now we're done!"
Enlist a favorite stuffed animal as backup singer, and routines become a party. Feeling bold? Remix Village People's 'In the Navy' to 'To the Dentist, tra-la-la-la-la!' March along, and watch them follow.
This shines with toddlers and preschoolers, but older kids outgrow kiddie tunes. Top 40 tracks are often too fast or unsuitable, so get creative to keep the fun alive.
Start with simple raps: "Time for bed, what fun, come with me, just you and me." Add swagger and gestures, and they're hooked. Try: "Sock, jacket, pants, bike, keys—where are you? Come quick, asjemenou!" Neighbors might stare, but soon the kids join in. Stock up on rhymes like soon/wow/love/faith/girl, bed/fun/retteketet, me/you/us/them/happy.
Read also: Raising with humor: Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
From there, evolve to full songs with verses, choruses, and dramatic flourishes—even off-key high notes. Many radio hits are just repeated lines with 'tra-la-la' fillers. As a family, we've analyzed song structures: a-a-b-b rhymes, a-b-a-b, or none at all.
Now, my kids request bedtime recaps. Using 'Ik Neem Je Mee': "Today was fun-eu-eu-euk, we went to the park-eu-eu-euk. Now it's time, klaa-aa-aa-ar, off to bed, naa-aa-aa-ar!" Or freestyle-rap the highlights.
It's contagious—my kids now compose their own, complete with drawn-out notes. Our home is a non-stop musical; an average Broadway show pales in comparison. The boys chime in with rhymes, and who knows? Johnny Hoes, watch out—we're the next songwriting team!
Image used via Shutterstock
