The Power of Music
Linda Blair’s Daily Dose of Calm
We use language when we want to communicate information. But the most effective way to communicate emotion is through music. Music helps us feel better even in the darkest times, and a familiar piece may call up a specific memory so clearly it’s as if we’re reliving the moment. Whether you choose to sing, play an instrument, compose, or listen to someone else’s creation, music calms and soothes.
Music is personal to each of us. Think back to happy occasions – that in itself will lift your spirits. Think not just about what you see, but what you hear as well. Keep recalling such memories until you have between six and 12 pieces. Then find them online or in your collection, and use them to create your own “mood lift playlist”. Keep it ready to do its magic.
“The next stage of the horticulture craze involved raiding the rest of the house for any other fruits and vegetables whose seeds could be extracted for cultivation. Apples, pears, peppers, raspberries, tomatoes and even an avocado have been planted.
“This week we have dug a trench in our garden in which we will plant the seedlings when they outgrow the nursery. As the mother of two very fussy eaters, it will be a huge win if this pride in growing results in them actually eating the fruits of their labour.” – Marina Fogle, co-founder of The Bump Class and producer of The Parent Hood podcast
“We like to give our kids a theme for them to make a mini film with on their phone. It keeps them occupied for hours. Another idea is to get them to watch a movie and then to make a film of themselves reviewing it. Those phones cost us a fortune, so put them to good use!” – Nadia Sawalha, television presenter and actress (Youtube channel: The Sawalhaadderleys: Family, Films & Fun)
“Capture the first signs of spring by taking a photograph of exactly the same spot every day to see how it changes over a few days. This could be a flower or tree. Check the Earthwatch Wild Days website for some plants to look out for.” – Nick Baker, naturalist, television presenter and ambassador for Wild Days, a subscription-based learning service for families
“Birds are at their busiest in spring and are everywhere. Watch the skies for birds returning here after wintering abroad, or look outside and see how many birds are carrying bits of material to build their nests. Identify them by looking them up online. I used to draw the birds I saw in a notebook and keep a record of all the different types I’d see. Why not try that with your kids too?” – Mya-rose Craig, aka @Birdgirluk on Twitter, and ambassador for Wild Days
“Draw toy shadows. Get a long roll of paper – or tape five A4 strips together into a line and glue it on to the floor of your patio or balcony. Then suggest your child collects a handful of toys, preferably ones with strong clear shapes, like dinosaurs, and line them up as if they are walking along the edge. Then, when the sun comes
‘We give our kids a theme for them to make a mini film with on their phone’
out, the toys will cast shadows for your child to draw around. This activity is not only great for getting your child out into the sunshine and practising their hand-eye coordination, but it’s also really useful in helping teach them how shadows work. So it’s the perfect art and science nature lesson rolled into one.” – Tanith Carey, parenting expert and co-author of the book What’s My Child Thinking? Practical Child Psychology for Modern Parents
“Cards are a fun and simple way to get crafty with the children, and will brighten a relative or friend’s day, especially during these exceptional times. I make pop-up cards with my eldest, who is six, as they are slightly more educational with the measuring and cutting involved, and with my three-year-old we cut up a toilet roll tube inner to make a stamp for an Easter bunny shape. Dipped in colourful paint they make the perfect Easter stencil.” – Sara Davies, Dragons’ Den star, and founder and owner of Crafter’s Companion, @ saradaviescc on Instagram
“Try to repurpose a negative into a positive. When my youngest was crying yesterday, we decided to watch a video on ‘how tears are made’ on Teded – it calmed her down and we all learnt something.” – Anna Whitehouse, Heart FM presenter and author
“Go on an Easter egg safari by hiding the eggs around the house and garden and then asking the children to find them using picture or word clues.” – Elaine Halligan, director of The Parent Practice