Pure joy!

When I think of joy and what that means, particularly during this time of year, I think of the eyes of so many of my Kindermusik kids!  The faces I see each week, and the delight I see in their eyes from such simple things.  That to me is true joy.  It's just that simple.

And this little guy, well he is the epitome of true joy.  He has stolen my heart, and I am blessed to have rocked with him many times this semester.  Thank you little one.

Why Kindermusik? My story.

I am often asked how I got involved in Kindermusik, and I share the short answer:  that I signed up for a class when my daughter was six months old and loved it.  But truly, there is more to it than that.  Here is my story.

I grew up in a family of musicians; attending  recitals and concerts, camping out under my mom or dad’s grand pianos when I was sick, ushering at concerts, and participating in choirs and instrument lessons.  I have fond memories of family gatherings, singing together, always praying before meals by singing the Doxology, and my parents often breaking out into song at home.

Fast forward many years, to my first week as a new parent.  Arriving home from the hospital with our daughter Kathryn, I was overwhelmed with a fussy baby.  My parents had travelled the 9 hours to North Carolina to spend the first week with us.  I still remember my mom saying “Try singing to her.  Singing often helps calm a fussy baby.”  I sang Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, the first song I could think of.  It worked.  When my parents left, I missed them greatly.  I recall missing my family more those first six months of Kathryn’s life than ever.  And then I found Kindermusik.

Kindermusik was truly like a taste of life with my family.  The activities and songs were things I had grown up with throughout my childhood.  The approach to early childhood development felt second nature to me.  I discovered a family away from home with Kindermusik.  It was the next best thing to having my parents with me as Phil and I raised our children.

Today, I am delighted to continue to share this with so many families each and every week.  I am privileged to share some of my “family” with each of you.  My parents have been very supportive throughout my journey as Kindermusik educator and program owner, even having me come demonstrate for their college music students at times in classes.  What an honor and joy!

Things I learned from Kindermusik classes 11 years ago still play a part in the parent I have become.  My family thrives on routine; we still sing the same 3 songs at bedtime (Mommy Loves, Daddy Loves, from Kindermusik, Twinkle Twinkle, and Jesus Loves Me). My family breaks into song regularly for no apparent reason.  My children love to dance and move and read and have developed a true love of music!

My life has been greatly enriched by my Kindermusik family.  Each child that has come into the classroom is part of my family.  Grandparents and parents and nannies are part of my family. The network of supportive Kindermusik educators worldwide are part of my family. Thank you for helping my family grow and grow and grow, and for listening to my story!

I'm back

Well, after over a year of no blogging, I am back.

I have made it a resolution, to start sharing things again on my blog, mainly for my Kindermusik families. I hope it will be applicable to many of you along the way, in your parenting endeavors.

Best wishes. Can't wait for all the exciting classes that are starting in January for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and families in Latrobe, Sarver and Tarentum.

Christa