We live in an age where most of the stimuli our little ones receive are both auditory and visual. It’s not uncommon that when we play a song or any sound, they immediately look for a screen, as if the music alone isn’t enough. This reflects how they’ve become accustomed to associating sound with images, lights, and movement, which, without realizing it, may be affecting their attention span and active listening skills.
Fostering active listening from a young age is fundamental for their cognitive and emotional development. Learning to focus on a sound without visual distractions helps them develop patience, attention, and the ability to process the information they hear. It also stimulates their imagination, as their minds are free to create their own worlds.
I invite you to try something at home. Play music for your little one, but without screens. Give them the opportunity to concentrate on the sounds, to let their imagination run free without any distractions. It’s a small exercise that can bring great benefits to their attention span and cognitive development. You can also accompany them by explaining what the song is about or acting it out with gestures.
At Petit Folks, we believe in the power of music as a tool for learning and development. That’s why we encourage you to enjoy it in its purest form, without distracting visual elements. Will you give it a try this week? If you’d like, you can play the music from the Petit Folks app or be inspired by some of the songs available in our boxes.