When it’s too cold or wet to head outside my little ones like to get noisy and we often find ourselves turning the kitchen cupboards inside out for an impromptu music session!

Here are my top 5 ideas for home-made musical instruments:

1. Noise maker: Glue a bell to a cotton reel.
2. Trumpet: Attach greaseproof paper to one end of a cardboard tube and poke a hole in the paper then blow!
3. Maraca: Fill a plastic bottle with rice and secure the lid in place with tape.
4. Bells: Attach bells securely to a piece of dowel.
5. Rhythm sticks: 9-inch lengths of dowel – any thickness – and bang together!

But if you really don’t have the energy to whip something musical up – just turn a pot over to make a drum and use a wooden spoon as a drumstick!

Within seconds you and your little one will be waking up the neighbours or the sleeping dog with your musical prowess.

Please note: musical mayhem is not recommended when baby number 2 or 3 is sleeping soundly in the room next door!

So I think we all agree that making music is a load of fun and a great de-stresser for a small child BUT what about the parent? I say go for it UNLESS you are feeling particularly anxious or tense. (Please note: The clattering of pots after a sleepless night is NOT a good idea – try simply dozing on the couch on these days.)

And I wish I could tell you that this activity will keep your little one entertained for hours – but it won’t – however, it will offer a great sensory play experience for you both and you might even find that long lost Tupperware lid you’ve been looking for since last Christmas.

So making music is definitely one of my favourite things to do for its FUN factor and I like to think it has unlocked some MUSICAL gene passed down by some very talented grandparents as two of my kids have formalised things by taking up the violin and double bass.

And I wish for you all the same joy, except maybe not the double bass – the thing weighs close to a tonne (exaggeration) and I spend A LOT of my time lugging it around …

Little Things …

Want more Play Ideas for home or playgroup – search our online now or call the Hotline on 1800 171 882 and ask to speak with a Development Officer.

 

Kath is a mum of three who works part time and enjoys writing and catching up with other stressed out mums in her spare time. Usually she’s racing against the clock to make her boys (+ husband) arrive anywhere on time and feels quite the talented mother when two out of the three make it out of the house with shoes on!