heart to heart blog

The time has come for me to really crack down on what words reach my child’s ears. Slick is starting to talk a lot more. I know he’s hearing some conversations that are not appropriate for children- in the home and outside the home. My husband and I are trying to watch what we say. I also had to change my morning routine a little bit. One morning I heard Slick, in the back, imitating what he was hearing on the radio. No more local morning radio show between 7:00am and 7:15am! Now I can only safely listen after Slick is dropped off at daycare. If I don’t start censoring now, I’m sure he will repeat inappropriate dialogue in the most embarrassing situations. Because you know, Kids say the darndest things.

I haven’t been around children’s music all that much. Not since I was a child. I’m still trying to get a handle on this whole world of children’s music. When I was a kid, I had the same little red record player that all my friends had. The only children’s record I owned was an album of children’s songs sung by Carly Simon and her sister Lucy.  For those parents too young to remember vinyl records, this means I couldn’t play it in the car. My parents had a plain old radio in the car. So, I listened to whatever music was popular at the time. I was so embarrassed when I was watching VH-1’s One Hit Wonders and learned what “Afternoon Delight” was really about. Thank goodness my innocent childhood mind had no clue. How could my parents let me listen to it?  Worse yet, I used to sing it.  How did they ever keep a straight face or not be completely mortified?

So, I found myself browsing iTunes looking for kid-friendly songs to play during our commute to daycare. Quite frankly, I wasn’t looking forward to listening to Old MacDonald. Slick has many musical toys and it seems like they all play Old MacDonald. Thanks to this post, I turned my attitude around. I downloaded some of the classic children’s songs from my long ago and far away childhood. Some of these classic songs have odd and outdated lyrics. Even my husband noticed that The Old Man (from “It’s Raining, It’s Pouring”) might have a concussion if he couldn’t wake up after bumping his head. If this song ever becomes modernized, it will probably include a lyric about seeking prompt medical attention. “The Old Gray Mare” is more like a taunt that reminds me that this old gray mare ain’t what she used to be either. All this considered, I’ve been relearning these classic songs and singing along as we drive to daycare. For my effort, Slick rewards me with claps and cheers after each song. He’s so sweet. He doesn’t realize that I am an AWFUL singer. I make American Idol rejects sound like Mariah Carey. Yup. My singing voice is that bad. I will be so sad when Slick gets older and tells me to be quiet and stop ruining the songs.

I’ve got some of the modern kid’s hits on the playlist. I’ll admit it. I like The Wiggles. There, I said it! The secret is out. Call me crazy, but I’m looking forward to adding songs from Yo Gabba Gabba.  Slick’s playlist also includes kid-friendly grown up music such as Three Little Birds (Bob Marley) and Cantaloop (Us3). Cantaloop is one of his favorites.  Those were just 2 of only a handful of songs from my own playlist that I thought would be okay for him to listen to at this age. (I guess I never realized the music I listen to is so unsuitable for young ears!)   

I’d love to hear what’s on your playlist.  Slick needs some new tunes.  So, please recommend some favorites from your playlists.