How Music Therapy Can Help Children With ADHD
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This Blog is a generous contribution by Alyssa Strickland from millennial-parents.com
If you’re raising a child with ADHD, you know just how hard it can be to figure out the right course of treatment. Music therapy is a lesser-known form of treatment that could help with your child’s symptoms! If your child would like to try singing lessons, you could sign them up for classes. Furthermore, this guide from Vocals on Stage Academy is packed with tips on starting your child in music therapy, including creating a schedule that they can follow.
Benefits of Music Therapy
While music therapy is not a “cure” for ADHD, there is plenty of evidence that it can be beneficial for children with this condition. AngelSense states that music therapy has been found to provide a welcome sense of structure for kids with ADHD, relieve anxiety, and even improve their social skills.
Tiny Hoppers notes that listening to music has many benefits, including learning motor skills and language development. Putting on my favorite album is the perfect way to unwind. Furthermore, I love listening to a classical music playlist while working or studying - instrumental songs seem to aid concentration and focus!
Find the Right Therapist
Choosing a therapist for your child can be tough. Ultimately, it’s important to make sure that your child feels comfortable with the therapist — Verywell Mind recommends setting up an initial phone call or video call together so that you can both talk to any potential therapist and then ask your child how they feel afterward.
Your insurance should cover some or all of the costs for music therapy. If you’re unsatisfied with your plan’s coverage, or you currently lack insurance, shopping the healthcare exchange is a good option. You can quickly compare multiple plans and providers to find the best plan for you and your family.
Choose an Instrument
Not all music therapy involves playing an instrument - but if your child is interested in learning to play an instrument, you could combine therapy with music lessons. Helping your child pick out an instrument can be a lot of fun! Prodigies recommend renting an instrument or purchasing a used model to save money.
Create a Multi-Use Room
Designing a multi-use room in your home where your child can practice music can be a fulfilling project. Not only does it provide a dedicated space for your child's creative pursuits, but it also optimizes the usage of your home's square footage. This room could serve as a music studio, playroom, and even a study area. Remember to soundproof the room if possible, to ensure that music practice doesn't disturb the rest of the household.
As you undertake this project, be sure to document any significant upgrades. Home improvements like these can potentially enhance your property's value, making documentation crucial if you decide to sell your home in the future. A well-documented record of upgrades can be a strong selling point, demonstrating to potential buyers that the home has been well-maintained and thoughtfully improved.
Keep the Multi-Use Room Clean
A multi-use room can be a great way to teach your child responsibility and organizational skills. Make it a regular routine to tidy up the room together. This not only ensures the space stays clean and functional but also instills in your child the value of taking care of their shared spaces. You could even make it a fun activity by creating a game out of who can pick up the most items in a set amount of time. This way, the multi-use room remains a versatile space without becoming an additional cleaning burden.
Bring Music Into Your Daily Lives
Incorporating music into your family’s daily life at home can lift everyone’s spirits! When you cook meals, you could encourage your child to pick out some songs that they like, and you can listen to music together while you prepare different dishes. You can also put on your child’s favorite songs when it’s time to tidy up their room. Car rides are a great time to introduce your child to new tunes or ask them which songs they want to hear. And when you have a little downtime, why not kick off a family dance party with an upbeat playlist?
Music therapy can help foster your child’s creativity while getting their ADHD symptoms under control. Plus, it can spark a lifelong interest in the arts! By following these tips for getting music therapy and creating a music space at home, you’ll be able to find the right music therapist for your child, help them pick an instrument they’ll love, and come up with a schedule that works for them.
Author: Alyssa Strickland from millennial-parents.com
For online, in-person, or in-home music lessons that you will love, visit Vocals on Stage Academy today!