How to encourage your child’s development – and have fun at the same time! Over the last few years a large number of music groups have spread across the country, and are coming to Sheffield, too.  This is such a good development as music offers a way to help normal healthy development, gives a boost to children who have learning difficulties and provides bright children with a stimulating challenge.  Music groups or well-organised music sessions provide fun and they also offer basic learning opportunities. A child’s enjoyment of music begins in the womb.  Studies show that twenty week old foetuses are relaxed by hearing recordings of Vivaldi and Mozart.  We can also conclude from measuring muscle response that 3-8 day old babies prefer voice and voice-like sounds.  Amazingly, at only 5 days old, infants will turn their head to the left or right to discover the source of sound.  At six months old, babies can rock or sway rhythmically in response to music.  One of the experiences I most enjoy is singing to a room full of babies for the first time.  No matter what noise or activity they were engaged in, they almost invariably stop what they are doing and focus their attention on the singer.  Young children attend more closely to sing-song tones than to an ordinary speaking voice (it’s no accident that mothers instinctively use sing song speech when talking to their babies). Probably the most valuable aspect of mother and child music, in whatever setting, is that it is fun.  Parent and child can share an altogether enjoyable experience, then the songs go home to be part of the pleasure of parenting.  However, if you can’t get along to any groups that include a music session, don’t worry.  One of the best units to make music in, is the family.  Learn some good modern songs from tapes, videos and children’s television programmes and have a go at home.  If you can join a music group, it is likely to benefit your child’s development; be great fun; and enrich the parent – child relationship.  So why don’t you try it and see what develops!