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Greetings,
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens.” Remember Julie Andrews singing this song in The Sound of Music? She was using “favorite things” to comfort the children who were frightened by a storm.
If you have children you might remember the first time they spent the night at a friend’s house or with Grandma. I bet you made sure the grownups knew what would make your child comfortable. “He sleeps with the light on.” “She has to have her bear.” “Make sure he goes to the bathroom before he goes to bed.” “If she wakes up in the night just rub her back.”
I remember a New Year’s Eve when my son was about 8 years old. He was spending the night at a friend’s house. The next day when I went to pick him up the very tired “host mom” told me she was sorry but Jesse hadn’t slept a wink. Everyone else had gone to sleep so she put on a video for him, thinking it would lull him to sleep. She meant well. And she was quite naturally doing what she knew worked for her kids. Only problem is – Jesse NEVER slept if a video was on. That was a sure fire way to keep him awake.
The thing is, when we don’t have much information and the person we are caring for is unable to ask for what they want or need, our natural tendency is to provide the care that WE would like. We don’t do it because we are selfish. We do it with the best intentions. And it can easily backfire – just like it did for that very tired mom on New Year’s Eve.
All people have a basic need for comfort and personal preference. To provide good care, for children or for elders, we need information about what they like. What brings them comfort? What are their favorite things? What are their personal preferences? What brings a positive reaction, a smile?
So what are your favorite things? What are your child’s favorite things? What are your parent’s favorite things? What are the favorite things of the people you care for?
Life will have storms. Our favorite things can help make us as comfortable as possible.
Wishing you comfort,
Mary Sue
P.S. Scroll down for Music for Little Ones News.
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These are a few of my favorite things
- in no particular order.
How many of these items can you
find in this picture?
- Singing & playing my guitar
- Dinner with my son
- Classical music in the morning
- Dogs and cats
- Blue jeans, Shirts that are loose
- My happy chair
- Chocolate
- Bright pastel colors on the walls
- Books
- Pictures of my family
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Finding Favorites
Here are some questions you can ask family members to find out what brings comfort to the people you care for. Being proactive and providing for favorites throughout the day can help bring comfort, especially for people who are not able to communicate their wishes.
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Favorite color?
Favorite drink?
Favorite food?
Favorite snack?
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Favorite place to sit?
Favorite blanket?
Favorite pillow?
Favorite family picture?
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Favorite person?
Favorite type of music?
Favorite subject to talk about?
Favorite magazine?
Favorite place to visit?
Favorite temperature for their room?
Favorite clothes?
Favorite sweater?
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“Musical Moments with Mary Sue”
A Nod of Recognition
 Many older people don’t smile much. Their faces are often somewhat expressionless and when you ask them to smile it almost seems hard for them. “Julia’s” face is different. She has a look of expectancy that is almost a full blown smile. “Julia” doesn’t talk much at all anymore. She needs help eating and I haven’t seen her walk in a long time. But when I play her favorite song – Home on the Range - she nods her approval and sometimes her mouth forms the words “range” or “play”. She pushes back and forth ever so slightly in her wheelchair in response to the rhythm of music. “Julia” can still nod her head and smile in approval and recognition. I nod and smile back to let her know we are sharing this musical moment together. And I’m so glad I know what her favorite song is.
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Mary Sue Recommends:
A Simple Music Player
 I’ve been searching for a long time for an easy way to provide music for seniors who may no longer be able to operate a CD player easily. I’m excited to share this music player that turns on when you lift the lid and stops when you push it down. It comes preloaded with old time songs or you can load it with your loved ones favorite music. Don’t know what their favorite music is? Drop me a line and I’ll send you a free copy of my E-Book “Finding Memories Through Music”. Just mention that you read about it here in the newsletter.
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The Sound of Music 50th Anniversary Celebration
Did you know this is the 50th Anniversary of The Sound of Music? How about having a Sound of Music party where you watch the movie and/or play the soundtrack? You could even sing along! Many older adults have fond memories of seeing this movie on the big screen. And they’re happy to share.
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Music for Little Ones News
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Save the Date!
Mary Sue will be back singing and playing
with the little ones at
The Little Fleet
in Traverse City, Michgian
on Thursday, May 7th at 4:30 pm.
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Meet Miss Christy!
Creating musical birthday memories for your
child on their special day!
Whether your child enjoys being silly and making up verses to songs, dancing freely to all kinds of music or just drumming along on pots and pans, a music-themed party is sure to be a hit! For birthday party entertainment, Miss Christy will visit your home or venue and bring her keyboard, guitar, egg shakers, scarves, play along instruments and a parachute if space permits. In all, the interactive show lasts about 45 minutes. For more information on fees, availability or to book an event, please call Christy at (231) 632-4511.
“If you’ve never met Miss Christy or seen her in action, you can’t imagine the level of joy that comes through her music. She is so enthusiastic, warm, funny, and passionate, and it comes across so clearly in her classes and parties.” - Music Together Parent in Wheaton, IL.
Miss Christy will be teaching Music Together classes on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at Elevated Arts brand new location at 444 South Cass. Spring classes begin the week of April 4 th.
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Don't forget . . .
Traverse City also offers:
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 Mary Sue Wilkinson is the founder of Singing Heart to HeartTM and the Young at Heart Music Program. She is a career educator and professional musician. And she loves to sing! Her flagship program, Young at Heart Music, is devoted to bringing the joy of music and singing to seniors with decades of life experiences and memories tied to music. Mary Sue is available as a speaker sharing her expertise about the power of music to awaken memories and bring joy. Together with Tiyi Schippers, Mary Sue also provides music experiences for young children and training for early childhood educators.
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Come to a free demo class with Christy on
Kindermusick with Melinda Lise
Bright Blooms Kinder Play
Blackbird Arts
