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Tag: dad life

The Backseat Blues

I wrote a portion of the following article last year, but this year, it’s resonating again and just as important. Thanks for reading. 


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.

baby in carseatI’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.orgThere 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, one who is now a SENIOR, 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. The days where you were counting the minutes until nap time so perhaps you could go the bathroom alone. Seriously, I really do get it.

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.

Another bit that truly sat with me when I watched this video by the NC Early Childhood Foundation, is that “brains are built, not born“. Whoah! 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 curriculum is. But honestly I just want to perhaps suggest that you take one unplugged 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”.
xo Holly
Holly Lesnick is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and celebrated 20 years of marriage with her husband Will.  Holly is the Kindermusik International Brand Ambassador for the U.S., and always happy to collaborate with brands she believes in.


www.growandsing.com

Click here for offer for new families to Grow and Sing Studios.

My phone gives me wrinkles?

You know, I read recently that we have more wrinkles in our necks from looking down at our phones. Imagine that, more wrinkles because we are lacking in being present with those around us. It’s a crazy notion, but if you think about it, makes a bit of sense. I’m not going to lie, I just bought neck cream.
child playing with bells
This picture is the one I selected for this topic, because well, first, it’s festive isn’t it? Jingle bells! But looking closer, it’s also a message of connection. There is eye contact. The adult’s head is up and looking directly at the child. There’s presence.

Obviously we all love our phones and I’m no exception. I check it often, I network, I shop. But the idea that there is a physical sign letting us know that we aren’t quite tapping in to the magic around us makes me want to pause. Put the phone down. Look into my loved ones eyes, be present and PLAY.

As we head into this crazy busy time of year, I challenge anyone reading this to find some balance. I’m not at all saying put the phone away entirely. Not realistic, and not fun! But perhaps spend some quality time. Perhaps in a Kindermusik class like this family does, or maybe doing something else as a family.

I challenge you.
I challenge myself too.

Happy Holidays!

Holly Lesnick xo Hollyis a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and Studio owner at Grow and Sing Studios, a Bachelor of Music Therapy, mom of 2 and this past September celebrated 20 years of marriage with her husband Will. 

www.funboxphotos.com
www.growandsing.com

 

Taking the backseat?

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.

baby in carseatI’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.orgThere 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”.
xo Holly
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. 

Why these moments mean everything.

I first stepped into a Kindermusik classroom as a brand new mom to our daughter Anna. She was three months old, and I was SO nervous! I had no idea what to expect. I had resigned from my job as a Music Therapist and Activity Director in the geriatric population to stay at home with Anna and there was no doubt in my mind music would be a part of our world. The minute I entered that Kindermusik class, my entire world changed. It felt like home. I adored being a Kindermusik parent in class. I was blown away by the child centered approach to learning, the accepting loving environment and the incredible parent education I received. It was one of the most precious times that I now realize go by far to quickly. Considering my degree in Music Therapy, I was quickly convinced to teach Kindermusik and so I became licensed. I loved teaching it. I loved attending it. Thanks to my daughter Anna, who led me there, I found my true passion.
Aiden and I at Kindermusik
Fast forward a few years. I was extremely pregnant with our son Aiden when the studio I worked for closed up their business and I lost my Kindermusik teaching job. After Aiden was born, I was such a happy mom of two, but there was something missing. My little man needed to have Kindermusik and I SO craved those moments with him. I knew the incredible developmental benefits it had already had on our daughter, not to mention the many milestones I had witnessed of others in classes I taught. I honestly couldn’t imagine not having the opportunity to enjoy the Kindermusik activities with him. So, in 2005, I selfishly created Grow and Sing Studios for Aiden. I even convinced my dear friend, a music educator whom I met in music school to work with me, so I could attend as a mom! And so, the roller coaster of business ownership, mixed with being Kindermusik mom began.

It’s been 16 years since I became licensed and I have loved every moment. My husband Will came on board and Grow and Sing Studios became our family business. Our mission, to connect as many families as we can through the magic of music is our focus. We are blessed with such an incredible team of educators who we consider family. Our children both graduated Kindermusik after attending the entire continuum of classes. Anna is now almost 17 and Aiden is 13! I can’t express how much I cherish the moments I had with them at Kindermusik in their first years. The cuddles, the dances, the precious unplugged, uninterrupted moments. They are what life is about. That is what we want for you. So that when you are in the hustle and bustle of car lines, band rehearsals, and sports practices in 16 or so years, you can look back and remember that fun dance, silly song, or quiet time rocking song you shared with your baby at Kindermusik and cherish them too.See you soon.

SCHOOL YEAR CALENDARS


CLICK HERE FOR MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
CLICK HERE FOR CLASSROOM GUIDELINES

Our School Years include 35 active weeks of classes with some scheduled weeks off which are noted below.

SCHOOL YEAR 2024 – 2025
School Year begins – August 12th, 2024
OFF – Thanksgiving week – Nov. 25 – 29, 2024
OFF – Holiday/Winter break – Dec. 16, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
HURRICANE MAKEUP WEEK IN SELECT LOCATIONS – Dec. 16 – 20, 2025
School Year Resumes after Winter Break – Jan 6, 2025
OFF – Spring Break – March 17 – 21, 2025
School Year ends – May 16, 2025

Click here to view school year information.

 

SUMMER 2025 CALENDAR


CLICK HERE FOR CLASSROOM GUIDELINES

This Summer we are excited to offer a 6 week session of classes. If you are traveling during any of our “on” weeks, we are happy to pro-rate the value of up to 2 classes.
Week 1 – June 2 – 6
Week 2 – June 9 – 13
Week 3 – June 16 – 20
Week 4 – June 23 – 27
NO CLASSES WEEK OF JUNE 30 – HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
Week 5 – July 7 – 11
NO CLASSES WEEK OF JULY 14 – KINDERMUSIK EDUCATOR’S CONFERENCE
Week 6 – July – 21 – 25

Click here to view Summer options.