A few months ago I posted about how the lyrics of most children’s nursery rhymes are completely depressing. I just thought I’d share what I’ve been singing to Alexa lately.
1) A Bushel and a Peck – By far her favorite song. All I have to do is sing the first three notes and a huge grin spreads across her face. Sometimes she’ll giggle uncontrollable when I get to the “doodle doodle doodle doo” part. (Also, I may or may not make nonsensical sounds after a few minutes, including “scooby dooby dooby doooo.”)
2) Dance Magic – When she’s fussy I whip this one out because it is interactive. There is “dancing” and “jumping,” both of which turn her frown upside down. Disclaimer: I do not toss Alexa around like David Bowie does to the baby in “Labyrinth,” nor do I wear a disturbing codpiece while singing this song.
3) I Want to Hold Your Hand – This is still an old standby. I usually sing it to her as she’s winding down for a nap or bedtime. I sing it slowly and quietly.
4) Good Morning Starshine – I’ve been singing this song to Alexa since she was in the womb. I would wake up in the morning, put my hand on my belly and sing it. Now I sing the first verse every morning when I pick her up from her crib. It’s our morning ritual.
5) My Favorite Things – This was my favorite song when I was a child, mostly because I watched “The Sound of Music” obsessively. We had recorded a holiday airing on commercial TV and I watched it so often that I knew exactly how long to fast-forward the VHS tape during the ad breaks. Anyway, this is an “anytime” song.
What are your favorite songs to sing to kids? Doesn’t necessarily have to be a “traditional” song; in fact, the less traditional, the better. Do share.
