A few weeks ago I heard a newscast that discussed how background tv noise inhibits children's play. The research states that children become distracted by the background noise of the TV (whether adult programming or children's) even if they seem like they're not watching it. They play less and when they do play it is less focused. This lack of focus is affecting the development of their attention skills.
Today I was babysitting Agnes and I put some background music on. At first I couldn't find any children's music so I put on some Dave Matthews. She was bouncing to the beat and laughing away as we played amongst her toys.
This got me thinking: why doesn't background music have the same detriment to a child's playing and development? Is it because the sound of music is more purposeful: each cow bell and drum beat was composed to follow the rhythm, mood and meaning of the song? Also, I know playing music yourself helps your brain because using both hands helps stimulate both sides of your brain. Does listening to music also help stimulate the left and right brain?
Why does Mozart affect the brain so differently than Meet the Press playing in the background?
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