We're in the car, driving. He starts to get fussy. I call back to him, "It's okay, Zoodle!" He continues to fuss, and it's getting louder. I put on some music*, and...
...the fussing stops. Just like that.
It doesn't work 100% of the time, but if I can catch the fussiness early enough, music is a pretty reliable way to zap (or at least delay) his bad mood in the car.
So you'd think that it wouldn't have taken me 18 months to realize this little car trick might work at home too. See, I'm one of those people who doesn't listen to music much at home. In the car, I often enjoy music; at home, it strikes me as noise.
But Zoodle has been extra-fussy lately. (Could have something to do with the tooth that just came in, and the others that are near the surface. Or it could just be that his "Approaching Terrible Twos" switch has been turned on.) So, finally, it hit me.... I bet music would work.
I'm writing this on Saturday afternoon, and Zoodle has been whiny. But a few minutes ago, Sandra Boynton and company joined us, and the strains of her album Dog Train are playing from my computer. And Zoodle's not fussing. In fact, he's bopping his head to the beat, and occasionally clapping.
No, I don't love listening to music at home, but it sure beats crying.
Music. Zoodle likes it. And not just in the car. I don't know why it took me this long to figure it out, but I'm sure glad Captain Obvious (or is it Maestro Obvious?) paid me a visit!
*Check out this post, and this one, for info on some kid-friendly music that doesn't drive me batty. I even...gasp...enjoy it.
7 comments:
my kids have rocked out to Bon Jovi and company since they were small, it always puts us all in a better mood, actually they get cranky when there's no music in the house.
Awesome! I have a stereo in the living room aka the room without a tv. I love playing music- my music, their music, or whatever. It's where I fold laundry and where I play barbies. It's a nice change. Someone bought Logan a stereo and he was totally never into music. So with layers of dust I moved it from the room a year ago. Captain obvious gave me a tap on the shoulder to put it in Sylvie's room- my music lover. She loves it ! Zoodle is adorable!
I meant where "WE" play barbies. Not alone after hte kids go to bed. Like while they are awake. :)
I agree - music is better than fussing any day! Unless it's John Mayer because his music sounds like fussing.
Loves a happy Zoodle pic.
Cute! I do have to admit I'm surprised you don't have music constantly playing in your house. Just assumed you would. Shows me what I know!
SURELY you must be talking about some OTHER fussy little boy. I just find it hard to believe that that so sweet little face could EVER be fussy! That's our story and we're sticking to it, right Zoodle? :)
Music was always the only thing to soothe our savage beasties, too. For the first one, it was us singing the Peanuts theme (Linus & Lucy) until we were out of breath. Then came Sandra Boynton to save our lungs. Dog Train, Rhinoceros Tap, and the Philadelphia Chickens keep the whole family happy.
When they get a little older, look for the Barenaked Ladies' Snacktime and thePhineas and Ferb soundtrack. Great stuff!
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