The Emotional Power of Music in Early Childhood

Music is often part of the everyday moments of childhood. It might be singing while playing with toys, making up a song about the day, or dancing when a favorite song comes on. Sometimes, a familiar song can bring comfort or remind a child of someone they love. These moments may seem small, but they can hold a lot of meaning. Music gives children a way to share their feelings, show who they are, and connect with the people around them.

During early childhood, children are still learning how to name their feelings and talk about their experiences. They may not yet have the words to say, “I feel left out,” “I’m proud of myself,” or “I miss you,” but they may be able to sing, move, clap, or tap out a rhythm that helps show what is happening inside. Music offers children another way to express themselves, even when words may be hard to find.

Music Gives Children a Voice

Young children are still learning how to name their feelings and talk about their experiences. They may know they feel something without knowing what to call it. They may also find it hard to explain what happened or tell someone what they need.

Music can be one way for children to express what they're experiencing. For example, a child might sing when they're excited, make up a song about something that happened during the day, or choose a song that reflects their mood. Some children may prefer to listen or dance rather than sing, allowing them to express themselves in different ways.

Music does not require children to explain everything they feel. They can express joy, sadness, anger, fear, or hope through sound, movement, and rhythm. They can also explore feelings that are hard to put into words.

For caregivers and professionals who work with young children, this means making room for music without expecting children to perform or explain themselves. We can let children choose the song, make up their own words, or simply listen. We can make space for children to express themselves through music and show interest in what they choose to share.

Music Helps Children Discover Who They Are

Music is also a part of identity. The songs children hear at home, in their communities, and with the people they love can become part of their story. A lullaby sung by a grandparent, a song shared during family celebrations, or a favorite song from a movie they love can carry special meaning.

As children grow, their musical choices can become one way they explore who they are and share that with others. The songs they love and the types of music they enjoy can reflect their interests, personalities, and experiences. Music also gives children a chance to try new things, express themselves in different ways, and discover what feels meaningful to them. Some children love singing and/or dancing to their favorite songs, while others enjoy simply listening. Some may come up with their own songs, and some might enjoy playing instruments or exploring different sounds and rhythms.

There is no single or “right” way to enjoy music. When adults welcome children's choices, they send an important message: You can be yourself here, and who you are is valued and worth celebrating. You don't have to sound a certain way, enjoy the same things as everyone else, or express yourself like anyone else to belong.

Music can be meaningful for all children, offering different ways to express themselves, explore their interests, and connect with others. For children who find it hard to express themselves through speech or who communicate in different ways, music can offer another way to share what they think, feel, and experience. A child does not need to sing words to take part in music. Humming, moving, tapping, listening, or choosing a sound can all be meaningful ways to express themselves and engage with others. Whether through singing, listening, moving, or creating music, children can find ways to participate that feel comfortable and true to who they are.

Music Builds Connection

Music can be a great way for children and the people around them to connect. When an adult sings with a child, claps along to a beat, they share a moment together. These everyday experiences can help children feel close to others and build relationships with the people in their lives.

Over time, songs can also become part of the special memories children share with others. A song sung before bedtime, one heard on the way to school, or a favorite song shared with a family member can become something familiar that brings them closer. Singing together in a classroom with peers or dancing along to music with family at home can create a sense of togetherness, even when everyone participates in their own way.

Music can also bring children closer to one another. When kids sing together, take turns choosing songs, copy each other's dance moves, or play instruments side by side, they have opportunities to share interests and enjoy something together. These moments can help children get to know one another, build friendships, and learn to listen and respond to others.

Music can also help children connect without needing to talk. Whether they're singing together or making music side by side, they can share an experience and enjoy being together.

Music Makes Room for All Kinds of Feelings

Music is not only for comfortable feelings or happy moments. Children may use music to explore sadness, anger, worry, excitement, or mixed feelings. A fast beat may match their high energy. A song connected to a memory may remind them of someone they miss. A song they create may help them tell the story of something they experienced and their thoughts and feelings about it.

Adults can show interest and make space for whatever the child is sharing through music. For example, if a child sings a song about feeling lonely, you could say, “That song sounds like it is about feeling alone. Do you want to tell me more, or should we sing it together?” By giving this response, it lets the child decide how much they want to share.

Music can also support learning and social-emotional growth. Songs like “Belly Breathe” or “The Power of Yet” from Sesame Street can teach children skills they can practice in daily life in a developmentally appropriate and engaging way, such as taking deep breaths or developing a growth mindset. Other songs, like the “Feelings Song” from Sesame Street or “Big Feelings Are Okay” by Ms. Rachel, can help children name their feelings, notice body signals, and know that whatever they’re feeling is okay.

At the same time, music can be meaningful without teaching a specific skill. Children may connect with lyrics that express their own thoughts and feelings, remind them of an experience, or offer a message that feels hopeful, encouraging, or empowering.

Making Music Part of Everyday Life

You do not need special training, expensive instruments, or a perfect singing voice to bring music into a child's life. Small moments can make a difference.

• Follow the child's lead. Let children choose songs, explore sounds, dance, or make up their own music.

• Make room for feelings. Invite children to choose a song that matches how they feel, without telling them what they should feel.

• Create music together. Sing, clap, tap on safe household objects, or make up songs about everyday events.

• Share meaningful songs. Sing family songs, cultural songs, and songs that hold special memories.

• Respect different ways of taking part. Some children may sing loudly, while others may prefer to listen, move, or watch.

• Be curious, not judgmental. If a child repeats a song or makes up unusual sounds, join in or ask what they like about it.

Make sure to let music be an invitation, not a demand. Children should feel free to join, take a break, or choose another way to express themselves.

Every Child Deserves to Be Heard

Music reminds us that communication is about more than words. A child's song, rhythm, movement, or choice of music may offer a glimpse into their feelings, thoughts, memories, interests, and relationships. When adults pay attention, they can learn more about the child beyond what the child can say.

As caregivers and professionals, we can help children discover that their voices matter in many forms. We can make room for their favorite songs, the music they create, and the different ways they use music to express themselves.

Music can be part of many everyday moments, whether it's singing on the way to school, dancing at home, or making up songs during play. By joining children in these moments and letting them explore music in ways they enjoy, we give them more opportunities to express themselves, try new things, and share something with the people around them.

Resource: Activity Sheet

To help start and guide conversations with children about music, download and print this free activity sheet: “Me and My Music.” This 1-page activity sheet can be used by caregivers or child-serving professionals and invites children to share a song they love, explore how they enjoy music, reflect on how music can help them connect with others, and express their feelings through music. Children can participate by talking, writing, or drawing, and may even decide to sing, dance, or invite you to listen along.