The Neighborhood songs are not only entertaining, they're also comforting for children. They are musical messages about child development, with language that children can understand and adults can access.

Because the messages are in song form, they are "portable." Children and caregivers can take them away from the program and sing them. Some songs celebrate good feelings. Some are calming. Others are for times when children are struggling with a particular issue, like jealousy over the new baby or separation fears.

Children might even latch on to a particular Neighborhood song, singing it over and over or wanting to hear it over and over, perhaps because it puts into words something that's central to them at that time and assures them that others feel that way, too.

Using the Neighborhood Songs

Here are some ways children and caregivers have used the Neighborhood music:

• One young boy we know, when frustrated, goes to his room loudly singing "You've Got To Do It." With honesty and hopefulness, this song says some things are hard to learn and hard to do, but you might accomplish them if you keep trying. Often he goes back to the task with fresh energy to try again.
• Some caregivers help children after an angry moment by singing "What Do You Do with the Mad that You Feel?î That phrase lets them know that everyone gets angry sometimes and that there are lots of healthy ways to get the anger out -- ways that don't hurt or destroy. The final verse reminds them, "You can stop when you've planned a thing that's wrong and do something else instead...."
• Many adults have told us the song they've used most is "I'm Proud of You.î It's a way of applauding children's attempts and accomplishments...even potty training successes! One caregiver uses that song when she sees a child who is ready to hit, but who finds self-control and holds back. There are lots of moments in a child care day to let children know that you're proud of them...and that they can be proud of themselves, too.

As a Tool in Your Work

Like the Neighborhood visits, the songs can be a tool for you to use in your own way in your work with the children. To make them effective, you don't need to know all the words...or have a musical voice. Whether you sing the songs, play them on cassette, CD, or on the website, or talk about them or listen to the ways children use them, it's your appreciation of the messages they convey about children's needs and feelings that will help make them valuable.

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