Toddler on the Dance FloorToddlers love music. You can sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" five million times and they'll want to hear it again. However, if you, like me, are a huge music fan and pride yourself on your musical taste, there's only so much Kidz Bop you can take. Actually, I can take exactly zero Kidz Bop.
At my house we've been exposing our kids to all kinds of different music (except for Kidz Bop) since they were born, and between all of us, we've created the perfect toddler playlist that gets my 2-year-old going, but doesn't make the adults run screaming from the room. The key to making it work for adults and kids alike is to experiment with different genres, and remember: Kids have no idea what phrases mean such as, "make love," "get high," or "Little Red Corvette." They will not be damaged, trust me. Also, maybe you don't let them watch the videos.
Here's what my little dude recommends:
"American Boy" by Estelle & Kanye West
"Do You Realize?" by The Flaming Lips
"Country Roads" by John Denver
"Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, even better when done by The Muppets
"Sequestered in Memphis" by The Hold Steady
"Kiss Me on the Bus" by The Replacements
"What About Us" by The Handsome Furs (do NOT let kids watch this video)
"Boxcar" by Jawbreaker
"The Big Guns" Jenny Lewis With The Watson Twins
"Hey Ya!" by OutKast
Get down with your toddler tonight!
What's your toddler's favorite song?
This Hot Dad Wants to Vacuum Your Rug
This Hot Dad Wants to Do Your Ironing
KStew Refuses to Shower
This Hot Dad Wants to Cook You Dinner
Comments 10
Oldies! Almost always a kid pleaser, and most of the songs are squeaky-clean. And even the ones that aren't I didn't realize weren't until I was in high school, so I'm pretty sure a kid won't. :P
Also, if you're looking for actual children's songs, the only artist I can stand is Raffi, and only because I listened to him as a kid and it brings back fond memories! XD
Oldies are great kidsongs, as they do tend to be a lot cleaner and you can find ones that are catchy. My kids also like I like Big Butts, but I probably shouldn't let them sing along with that. As for children's musicians, I like Laurie Berkner sometimes.
Toddlers LOVE Mambo Number Five.
My almost 2 year old loves Deftones, The Beatles, Lauren Hill, Jack Johnson, OutKast, and of course, the Backyardigans.
My 18 month old LOVES Primus (and The Wiggles- she's diverse). I think she'd get a kick out of "Hey Ya" too now that you mention it. Thanks for the idea! :)
I am amazed and excited that you let your kid listen to Jawbreaker. One day, I shall do the same.