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A musician and composer whose two tantrumming tots drove her to distraction has launched a unique CD aimed at helping parents tackle toddler tantrums.
The Tunes 4 Toddler Tantrums CD is the only one of its kind on the market, and has been written and produced by Victoria Arlidge, a composer with BAFTA and EMMY-nominated TV credits to her name for her work on Animal Antics on Channel 5’s Milkshake and Channel 5 documentary Umbrella Assassin. In total she has composed the music for more than 240 children’s television programmes.
After having her two children, Victoria decided to put her talents to good use and set up a regular local music group for pre-school tots and their mums in St Albans, Hertfordshire called Pitter Patter.
With her own children and her music groups, Victoria saw firsthand the developmental benefits of music on young children. And she quickly realised how singing to children when they were upset or on the verge of having a tantrum would help to diffuse the situation.
“Any parent with pre-school age children will tell you they spend a great deal of their time trying to avoid situations that will trigger tantrums,” says Victoria. “Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible because the most common everyday tasks, such as brushing teeth, getting in the buggy and mealtimes, can be a real struggle for parent and child.
“Being a real believer in the powerful effects of music, I wondered why there wasn’t anything on the market to help parents specifically deal with tantrums, a CD that could turn that negative energy in to musical fun and games. So I decided to produce my own.”
There are 10 catchy songs on the CD*, which have gone down very well with Victoria’s Pitter Patter groups. There is a variety of musical styles combined with live instruments and fun musical arrangements to help parents withstand endless requests of “Again! Again!”
Each song addresses a common tantrum trigger, and includes a game or imaginary activity to distract the children away from their outburst. For example, the ‘Shoes Blues’ song is a race to get your coats and shoes on; with the ‘Space Buggy’ tune, parents and children pretend the buggy is a rocket ship and zoom to the moon.
Educational psychologist Sonya Hinton says singing promotes co-operation between parent and child, which is important in diffusing the temper. “Tunes 4 Toddler Tantrums with its catchy tunes, engaging animal characters and repetition is a delight for children and parents alike” she says.
“As a sing-along it prompts interaction between parents and their infants, encouraging their communication, sense of self-efficacy and independence and above all co-operation.
“Professionals working with young families will find this CD an invaluable tool in helping parents develop their skills in managing everyday situations with toddlers.”
Watch Victoria using the songs at home with her own children:
Deap Sea Tea Party - encouraging children to eat!
Helping to get your children dressed
Encouraging your children to tidy up!
For more information, see www.tunes4toddlertantrums.co.uk
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