Music & Emotion: 3 Songs to Understand and Work Through Fear
Kids don’t always have the words to express when they’re feeling scared. Fear can show up in all kinds of ways—tears, silence, or even acting out—but recognizing and naming that emotion isn’t always easy. That’s where music can step in. Songs can be a powerful tool to help children connect with their feelings, offering comfort, understanding, and a safe way to explore what fear feels like. Whether it’s through calming melodies or relatable lyrics, here are some songs that can help kids better understand and navigate their fears.
Kids are experiencing new and unfamiliar things every day, and oftentimes this fear of the unknown is scary for children. Try not to dismiss their fears or tell them they shouldn’t be scared. By acknowledging your child’s feelings of fear and letting them know that it’s normal to feel that way sometimes, your child will be more likely to talk with you about their feelings, and it may encourage them to try new things. Try listening to this song and dancing around the house then ask your kids, “what are you scared of?” Share some of your fears your child then reassure them that you love them and will help them when they are feeling scared.
2. Going on a Bear Hunt by Kiboomers
Many times, children will imitate the emotions of those around them as a way of learning. When speaking with younger children, make sure to use words they will understand. For example, instead of saying “anxiety,” you might say “feeling scared or worried.” In this story, the group gets more and more scared as they get closer to the bear. Listen to or sing this song with your kids and practice making facial expressions starting at “not scared” to “really scared” as you run away from the bear.
3. In the Hall of the Mountain King by Edward Greig
You and your children have probably heard this song in cartoons or movies. As it comes up in shows, point out that the characters might be feeling scared or worried. This song starts slow and gets more intense as it goes on, which can imitate how fear can turn into a big feeling. Using visuals can help your children to better understand this concept, so try watching this video together and laugh at the crazy things that happen to the character. As the music gets louder and faster, his movements get faster and crazier.
Discussing fear helps children understand that feeling scared is a normal part of life. It lets them know that everyone experiences fear at times, and they are not alone in their feelings. When children feel comfortable talking about their fears, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed or isolated by them. We encourage you to incorporate these and other songs into your daily routines, so you can help your child learn how to communicate their emotions, and teach them how to manage those feelings.
P.S. If you or your child need help with managing emotions and feeling emotionally healthy, contact us to schedule a music therapy session. We’d love to work with you!
