If your kid is going to listen to music all the time (and be affected by the “feel” of the music and the message of the words), require them to put some songs in there that build up, reassure, encourages them to make a difference and realize their potential. Have them make a playlist that helps them rise above. This is something you can do together. Look back through the soundtrack of your own life for songs that helped you. Find songs within the genre your kid listens to (and yes, there are hip hop and rap songs of encouragement). Play them on the way to school or on the way home after school. Listen to them when they are struggling with a school project or when something frustrating or demoralizing has happened. Not every time and not immediately after. The songs on the playlist can be a voice in the background singing of the promise of things getting better, of overcoming difficulty and of joy and happiness to come. Here are some songs to get you started.
All Will Be Well (Gabe Dixon)
Beautiful (P.O.D.)
Beautiful Day (U2)
Better Days (Breaking Benjamin)
Born This Way (Lady Gaga)
Bounce Back (Stacy Orrico)
Brave (Sara Bareilles)
Change Your Mind (All American Rejects)
Conversations With My 13 Year Old Self (P!nk)
Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing (Stevie Wonder)
Hold On (Good Charlotte)
Hold Your Head Up (Argent)
I have confidence (Sound of Music) You know you are tapping your feet! Go on, bust out a chorus of “I feel confident in me!”
I’m Alive (Garland Jeffreys)
I Will Not Bow (Breaking Benjamin)
Live Your Life (T.I. featuring Rihanna)
Twist and Shout (The Isley Brothers) Get up and shake it!
Wonderful (Gary Go)
You can find more encouraging songs (as well as songs for Being Yourself, Making a Difference and Taking it Easy) by going to my website. Help me keep these lists relevant by sending me songs you and your kid have found using the contact page of my website.
