Parents. I woke up on this first day “back to school” not thinking of the child headed back, but someone else.

I’m truly not intending for this to sound preachy, or be a guilt trip to those that this will most likely resonate with. But more as a “something to ponder” as you head back into the next school year.

I’m thinking of that little one in the back seat. The little one holding your hand, who is getting dragged along for the ride. The one woken up from her nap to go pick up your older one at school. The one falling back to sleep in her carseat while you bring the older one to piano lessons or soccer.

When you had your first child, that child was the center of your world. You were there for every moment; every first. You took him to classes, mommy groups, and playdates. Then you had your second child. You most likely realized that you didn’t need to do ALL of those things the first time round. That being at home and playing in the grass was a GREAT way to spend the day.

But this younger child is an individual little human. A child that needs time alone with you. A child that needs your presence.

As a music therapist and educator, I immediately thought about something I read on first2000days.org. There are only 2,000 days between the time a baby is born and when he or she will begin kindergarten. During that time brain architecture is forming, creating the foundation for all future learning.

Wow. That sort of puts that time period in a quick little bubble, doesn’t it? As a mom of 2 teens, I can most definitely say that it flies by faster than you can blink. I know, you don’t want to hear that because you’re EXHAUSTED. I get it. I remember those days well.

However, I’m really thinking about all those parents that I see in our Kindermusik classes with their first children. Parents that are truly present with them. Parents taking in every single second. Parents that say that the one hour they spent at Kindermusik each week was the most joyful and memorable time they ever had when their child was a baby and toddler. Parents we never see return when they have their second child.

Of course that takes me right back in my brain to that little baby or toddler in the back seat. That little human who is depending on you to enrich their first 2000 days but who is only a passenger in their older sibling’s life.

Of course, I would love to see you enroll in our Kindermusik program, or one where you live because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful that program is. But honestly I just want to perhaps suggest that you take one hour each day and devote it to being present with your younger child however you choose to spend it.

Have a fabulous return “back to school”.

Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and in September will celebrate 20 years of marriage with her husband Will. 

There are so many healthy benefits of music. Here are 7 reasons that may inspire you. Let your child’s healthy music life begin at #Kindermusik. growandsing.com

 Are you a planner? We are too! Classes all the way from now through May 2019 are now posted on our website. View our schedule (which we are always adding to based on requests/need) at http://www.growandsing.com/schedule. Looking forward to seeing you in class!
Please note that Kindermusik Playdate classes and Group Guitar classes are still pending and will be posted soon.

Is this your week? The one where you decide to UNPLUG for 45 minutes to be present and IN THE MOMENT with your child? It will be the most meaningful moment in your week. We are waiting to hear from you – info@growandsing.com 407.970.2774. Happy Monday!
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This week we’ll be weaving in lots of Irish music, dances, instrument plays and story times. If you are new, please come join us for a free preview class!

Welcome to Grow and Sing Studios. Celebrating 12 years of connections through the magic of music. Providing exciting, loving classes filled with possibilities, connections and lifetime memories.

What is Kindermusik?
Kindermusik is music-making with a purpose. Early introduction to music and movement impacts your child’s brain and body development in a way few other learning methods can. We should know. Kindermusik has been transforming the lives of children, parents, and teachers around the world since 1978. Science has shown that children of any age learn more when the learning is playful and fun. Kindermusik kids laugh, smile, stomp, play, kick, clap, jump, sing, and dance. But having fun is just the beginning. Steeped in educational theory, our program engages the potential found in every child. Through our dynamic classes and research-based curriculum, we excel at setting a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our purpose is simple. We’re here to develop young minds and change the world. One child at a time. Let it begin with Kindermusik®.

A RESERVATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND A FREE PREVIEW CLASS. This is so we never overfill our classes, and so the educator for your chosen class knows you are coming and can plan accordingly! Please contact us by email info@growandsing.com or calling 407.970.2774 for further assistance by letting us know your child’s age, and location preference(s) fromwww.growandsing.com/locations. We look forward to meeting you.

I’m writing this as I sit in a friend’s home, listening to the hum of the dryer as my laundry spins. Typically around this time, I send a “time is ticking” or “enroll now” email to the masses, encouraging new families to preview and previous families to come on back to class. Of course I want those things to happen, but I feel it’s more important to focus on the magic of community, friends, and helping each other. So, why am I doing laundry at a friend’s house? To make a long story short, a pipe burst in our home which produced flooding and mold. 90% of our downstairs is affected, which left our home office, piano studio, foyer, kitchen, laundry room, and downstairs bathroom uninhabitable. We have at least another 6 weeks before life and Grow and Sing Studios headquarters will be up and running. Uprooted during the holidays with our 2 kids, 2 dogs, and 2 cats in a hotel has been a challenge. Yet it’s also a reminder of the blessing of community and friends. Piano lessons have been in session for a week because a kind customer opened their home and piano to us. Our staff was so flexible and met at our hotel for our spring staff meeting, and even serenaded the hotel staff. Home cooked meals by family and friends have been the most comforting moments as most of our meals have ended with the words “take-out”. How does this tie into classes beginning? Well, I’ve been teaching Kindermusik for over 15 years and have seen so many connections formed. Not just between adult and child, but between adults and adults. Lifetime friendships are made every day when we gather together for Kindermusik. A place where each and every attendee has one focus in mind – connection. We are starting a week early because of missed time during Hurricane Irma. This was another time when our community came together, helped each other, and connected. If you’ve been considering Kindermusik, we welcome the opportunity to join us this week, free, to experience for yourself what our incredible community is all about. Yes, Kindermusik is about music, but it’s so much more. It’s planting new seeds of connections, watching our beautiful children blossom, and perhaps meeting that lifelong friend.

Director/Owner – Grow and Sing Studios

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