Category: developmental lag

How Music Can Benefit Your Child’s Brain

Posted on | by KD Novelties

Children love singing, clapping their hands, and dancing to music, and it would be wise for parents to encourage this behavior. Why? Kids can benefit greatly from listening to, engaging with, and learning how to play music. Here are some of the ways that music can benefit a child:

Improves memory.

Are you tired of your kids scrambling around to find a notebook or jacket as they get ready for school? Help your child improve his memory by exposing him to music on a regular basis. Research has shown that listening to music stimulates the brain and improves the child’s ability to retain information and learn. This could help them perform better in school, so turn up the tunes while you chauffeur your children around!

Strengthens verbal and communication skills.

A number of studies have shown that music can improve a child’s verbal and communication skills. One study introduced children between the ages of 4 and 6 to a month of rhythm, pitch, and melody training. At the end of the month, the children’s ability to understand words and their meanings had improved.

Another study looked at one-year-old children who attended music lessons with their parents. The researchers found that these children were able to communicate more clearly and expressed more emotion than children who were not exposed to music. These studies clearly show that music can benefit children of all ages.

Stimulates early development.

Music is so powerful that it can even benefit babies while they are still in the womb! Studies have found that exposing unborn babies to classical music can have an effect on their physical and mental development after birth.

One particular study found that babies who listened to 70 hours of classical music during the last few weeks of pregnancy had better motor and linguistic skills at six months old than babies that were not exposed to music. If you’re expecting a child, turn on light classical music towards the end of your pregnancy to help your child’s development.

Enhances their emotional intelligence.

Music can evoke strong emotional reactions in anyone—even children. Research has shown that when children listen to music, they are able to detect different moods and emotions in the lyrics and melodies. This helps them pick up on other people’s moods and emotions more easily. Music also allow them to develop a greater awareness of their own feelings. As a result, children may become more compassionate and empathetic towards others after being exposed to music at a young age.

Playing instruments can be beneficial, too.

Listening to music isn’t the only way that children can benefit from it—playing instruments helps their development, too. In fact, one study found that children who were involved in music lessons had a better understanding of tough mathematical concepts than other children.

Kids in music lessons also demonstrated more creativity than other children their age. If you child shows an interest in music, encourage him to learn how to play an instrument so he can enjoy these benefits.

Now that you know how music benefits your child, it’s time to crank up the volume! As long as the music is age appropriate, meaning it doesn’t contain any inappropriate lyrics, it will positively benefit your child’s development.

Difference Between a Developmental Lag and a Reading Disorder

Posted on | by KD Novelties
Developmental Lag or Reading Disorder

What is the difference between spotting a developmental lag and a reading disorder? Both issues may look the same from observation, so ultimately, no matter what, it is always wise to see a specialist in the event this thought occurs to a parent at all.

Many parents would like to believe that their children are developing healthily and normally – who wouldn’t? Each individual is different and as kids become their own people, they will undoubtedly develop their own quirks and interests. If you notice that your child is not reading or shows no interest in the activity, your mind may initially make excuses along the lines of “maybe they’re just not a reader,” or “perhaps they learn a little slower and are more of a visual or hands-on learner.” Either of these may be true, certainly, but there is nothing wrong with doing a little bit of investigating first. Many parents who have children with reading disabilities find out a little too late, ‘a little too late’ meaning that their child’s education may have already suffered and that valuable time getting help has been lost.

Research shows that it is crucial that kids receive the proper developmental health during their first few years of schooling. This window of opportunity can be fleeting and many parents miss it because they are easily dissuaded from seeking help. If you notice that your child is having difficulties reading, the reason may absolutely be that they have a developmental lag or simply have no initial interest in the activity. However, it is always wise to be safe than sorry. It is better to be told that your child has a developmental lag by a professional early on in either case, because even if your child does not have a disorder, you can begin to implement healthy incentives to help them learn regardless. But if your child does have a reading disorder, the earlier they receive help the better.

The longer you wait to get help or guidance in the event that your child has a reading disorder, the harder it will be to get them on the right track. If treatment and therapy is implemented early, kids will adopt it much more easily and almost more naturally as well. Just as learning a language later in life becomes ultimately more difficult and forced, than learning one from an early age, so is learning how to cope with a reading disorder. It is still entirely possible to help children who are around the age of 7 or 8, but it becomes more and more difficult as the child gets older.

Reading disorders, such as dyslexia, are not exclusive to reading alone. Since reading is integral to learning, kids with reading problems will ultimately have issues learning other subjects as well and may fall behind substantially. The best way to quell any concerns that you may have regarding your child’s ability to or interest in reading is to see a specialist and to have your child tested. There should be no stigma involved, especially since you will be helping your child grow and learn.

For more reading resources and to check out our personalized books for kids which boosts self-esteem and enhances the reading experience visit us at http://www.KDNovelties.com.