Hello parents and caregivers!
My name is Laura MacLeod, and I’m a certified music therapist, counselling therapist, and mom of two sweet boys in the “two under two” chapter of life. It was such a treat to be invited to present on music therapy at Knocked’s November Sip ’n’ Share! What a gift to see so many of you show up ready to make music, connect, and learn how to use music to your advantage at home.

If you weren’t able to make it, take heart! I’m here to share a few practical, evidence-informed ideas you can start using right away. Each suggestion is simple, accessible, and designed to support you and your little one through the beautiful (and sometimes challenging) rhythms of daily life.

Lullabies
For centuries, caregivers have been singing and humming lullabies to soothe their babies to sleep. As someone who spent years singing lullabies to premature infants in the NICU, I can assure you that your voice can be one of your most powerful tools for helping your little one settle. A few simple, intentional strategies can make bedtime calmer for both of you.

First, try choosing one special song to use consistently as a lullaby. When babies hear the same song each night, they begin to associate it with rest and security. Start by singing the lyrics, then gradually shift into humming, and finally slow the melody down. With each step, you’re gently removing layers of stimulation, helping your baby drift into a deeper, more peaceful sleep. It’s also helpful to pick a lullaby that multiple caregivers can sing so anyone putting your baby to bed can use that “magic song.”

Transitions
If you’ve ever had a meltdown happen right as you’re trying to switch activities, you’re not alone. Transitions can be tough for all of us, especially little ones whose worlds are full of big feelings. Music can become a beautiful anchor here. Using the same song with the same activity each time turns transitions into something predictable and even fun.

Silly songs work wonders as a distraction during moments of resistance. For cleaning up, classics like “Clean Up, Clean Up” from Barney or “A Spoonful of Sugar” from Mary Poppins can add a bit of playfulness to the task. If you’re heading out the door, try singing “We’re On Our Way to Grandpa’s Farm” and swap out “Grandpa’s Farm” for wherever you’re going. These little cues help your child feel carried through the change instead of pushed through it.

Tough Spots
After years working in pediatric hospitals, one of the biggest tips I can offer caregivers is this: build a little toolkit of positive, lighthearted songs about doctors, dentists, medicine, brushing teeth, and anything else that can bring on big emotions. You never know when a silly song might be your best ally during a stressful appointment.

Songs like “Head and Shoulders” help kids learn the names of their body parts, which can make it easier for them to show you or a medical professional, where something hurts. And after something overwhelming, like a vaccination or dentist visit, a soothing, familiar song such as “You Are My Sunshine” can help regulate their nervous system and bring them back to calm more quickly.

A Final Encouragement
No matter how you feel about your singing voice, I promise you this: your baby’s favourite sound in the entire world is you. The warmth, rhythm, and familiarity of your voice are uniquely comforting to them. When your little one is upset, there is nothing more grounding than the sound of your breath and melody.

Your voice is powerful. Your music is medicine. And your little one doesn’t need perfection, they just need you. So take a deep breath, trust your own sound, and make more music with your littles today.

Laura MacLeod

Heartland Music & Wellness