If you’ve ever struggled to get your little one to brush their teeth, put on pjs or clean up their toys, you’re not alone. For many kids, even simple daily tasks can feel like big battles. The good news? Music can make routines easier, smoother and a lot more fun.
My name is Rhea and I am in my fourth year of my Bachelor of Music (Hons) degree at the MTU Cork School of Music. Over the past few years I have had the privilege of working with children in both musical and non-musical settings and have seen the power that music has in shaping a child's development. Early childhood education is an area I am incredibly passionate about and that is why I felt this would be an excellent first blog post.
Music is far more than just entertainment for children. When used intentionally, it can be a powerful tool to help establish daily routines, adding both enjoyment and structure to a child’s life. Beyond making everyday tasks more fun, music also supports cognitive development, emotional regulation and social learning.
For many children, routine tasks such as brushing teeth, getting dressed or tidying up, can feel boring and even overwhelming. Music transforms these moments into something engaging. A cheerful morning song can set a positive tone for the day, while a playful “clean-up” tune can motivate children to tidy their toys. A familiar song can signal the start or end of an activity, like a tidy-up song before dinner or a calming lullaby at bedtime. By associating certain songs with these specific activities, parents and caregivers can turn repetitive chores into enjoyable rituals that children actually look forward to.
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of weaving music into routines is the sense of achievement it provides. Completing a task by the end of a song gives children visible, time-bound goals that build confidence. Since songs have a beginning and an end, they act like little timers. For a child who thinks “cleaning my room will take forever,” a three-minute song makes the task feel manageable. Over time, this not only makes daily life smoother but also fosters independence, resilience and a positive association with learning.
Kids thrive on consistency, and music naturally helps create structure. Knowing what comes next makes children feel safe and secure. When music is used consistently, it helps them anticipate transitions with less resistance.
That is why I’ve put together a simple collection of songs with popular tunes that can easily fit into a child’s routine and help create a more positive atmosphere around those tricky moments.
