Is your son musical? 

Yes, he is -- even if hates singing, doesn't play an instrument, and acts up in music class. Human beings are inherently musical creatures, according to Joan Koenig, author of The Musical Child: Using the Power of Music to Raise Children Who Are Happy, Healthy, and Whole. In her book, Joan says that music:

* Helps develop vital physical coordination
* Fine-tunes our speech & hearing
* Reinforces memory
* Builds a practice of creative things
* Creates pleasure & connection

Unfortunately, many of us adults, particularly in the Western world, have learned that music is for "musicians," when, in reality, we're all musical. Children naturally move to music. Cultures worldwide, across space and time, have used music to teach, connect, and express.

"Music engages more than words," Joan says.

In this episode, Jen, Janet & Joan discuss:

* Why kids need to make music
* How music helps kids develop essential skills
* When (and how) to make music with your child
* Why music should be part of school curriculum (spoiler alert: kids learn best via music & movement!)
* How stereotypes affect boys' involvement in music

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:
The Musical Child: Using the Power of Music to Raise Children Who Are Happy, Healthy, and Whole, by Joan Koenig

joankoenig.com -- Joan's website

How to Deal with a Troublemaker -- BuildingBoys blog post (mentioned at 18:45)