I found Harmony Helps to be user friendly.  I found it to be informational with not too much information thrown at me.  I liked the layout, though due to user ignorance I didn’t realize there were more links on the page than there appeared to be.  I found the suggestions of what to have at home for our littles was also helpful.  For a reader who might just be browsing and runs across it, I thought that it would have much of the basic information that they might be looking for.  I also think that the pictures added to it and were not distracting (not too many, not to little).  It was pleasing and a place I will definitely refer back to.

–Erin, parent of a child with special needs

Harmony Helps: Using Music at Home

One of our top 5 Core Values at Harmony Music Therapy is EMPOWERMENT.

We want our clients to feel self-motivated and self-directed during and after therapy sessions.

We strive to meet clients where they are, and keep empowerment as the central focus of every session.

We also empower parents to use music at home by providing instruments, resources, and educational opportunities to maximize results.

Why use music at home?

You are already doing amazing things at home with your kids. I can say that with confidence because the simple fact that you’re on here looking for new ideas means that you are an intentional, loving, and deliberate parent or caregiver who wants the best for your child.

Music is simply another way to enhance what you are already doing. It will help your child grow and will strengthen your bond with them in meaningful ways.

 

Using Music at home promotes

1) Bonding,

2) Connection, and

3) Builds relationships between parent and child (and even siblings!).

 

Isn’t this awesome?? With Harmony Helps, you now have access to an ever-growing library of ideas, games, and easily applicable music “Helps” to teach you how to use music with your own child.

All of our games and suggestions are specially designed to help you as a parent bond with your child while helping them work on needed skills at the same time (social, emotional, communication, and behavioral). It’s a win-win!

So take some time, explore the “Harmony Helps”, and use them with your special child. As always, we are here to support you and answer questions, and of course to continue to help your child make significant strides in the music therapy session.

Enjoy your “Harmony Helps” 🙂

Social Skills

Go to Social Skills “HELPS”

Music is a naturally social experience when another person is involved. It requires listening, responding, taking turns, impulse control, and all kinds of skills that help a child develop well rounded skills in the social domain.

As a parent or caregiver you can use music games to teach your child social skills in a fun and natural way!

Explore this section for tips on helping your child with:

  • Impulse Control
  • Positive Interactions
  • Bonding
  • Turn Taking
  • Sharing
  • And More!

Communication

Go to Communication “HELPS”

Music and language go hand in hand.

We speak with rhythm, we use dynamics when we talk (meaning loud or soft), our voice goes up to ask a question and down to make a statement (much like melody), and we adjust the speed at which we talk so others can understand (tempo). And that’s just scratching the surface!

The similarities are vast, so of course using music to help a child develop language is a natural and effective approach. And it’s one that you as a parent or caregiver can practice at home as well!

Explore this section for tips on helping your child with:

  • Early Nonverbal Communication
  • Making Choices
  • Understanding Loud/Soft
  • Making Requests
  • Understanding Directions
  • Getting Words Out
  • and MORE!

Emotional Regulation

Go to Emotional Regulation “HELPS”

Kids and teens have a lot to navigate when it comes to emotions. Some may withdraw in stressful situations, while others may act out–hence the term “fight or flight”.

Music is an incredibly effective way to teach your child how to manage their emotions because it speaks directly to the areas of the brain that are involved in these fight or flight reactions.

Our goal is to help you as parents and caregivers gain some ideas for helping your child learn about their emotions, express their emotions, and gain skills for managing intense emotions when they arise.

Explore this section for tips on helping your child with:

  • Managing Emotions
  • Calming Strategies
  • Expressing Emotions
  • Coping Skills
  • and More!

Want More?? Check out these articles for more tips, tricks, and resources!

We want to hear from you!

If you have specific challenges that you would like feedback and “helps” with, we want to know about it.

Simply go to our “Contact Us” page or email Jaycie at info@harmonymusictherapy.com and let us know what you would like to see in Harmony Helps.