The other day I was driving and Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip’s “Fifty Mission Cap” came on the radio. As I was singing along to the lyrics I realized that this song taught me so much about Toronto Maple Leaf’s history that I would never have known.
What the song taught me:
- Bill Barilko played hockey with the Leafs
- In 1951 Bill scored the Stanley Cup winning goal
- The Toronto Maple Leafs last won the Stanley Cup in 1962
- The last 2 Stanley Cup wins for the Toronto Maple Leafs were linked with Bill
These are facts that I would never have known if the Tragically Hip didn’t write this great song!
But what does this have to do with me and my baby?
Sometimes parents feel awkward about singing to their baby, especially if their vocal skills aren’t the greatest. If an adult can learn 4 fun facts from a 4 minute song, imagine what a baby can learn!
Think of some of the great children songs that have taught us so much:
- “Head and Shoulders” – teaches body parts
- “This is the way we wash our hands” – teaches body parts and daily grooming
- “The Alphabet Song” – I think this is self-explanatory
- “Five Little Ducks” – How to count and subtract
- “Happy and you know it” – feelings and emotions
These are just a few examples of songs you can sing to your baby. There are things to be learned through song and learning is way better when you are having fun together.
