Why are these children’s songs so important—what kind of good effect do they have on children?

Research in the field has shown that children need and use these songs to help them understand the world and complex relationships that defy logic and a child’s capacity to make sense of things. Children’s songs help kids better learn history and important events, empathize with other children and adults, step into the shoes of those from other cultures or experiences, and more deeply identify with the perspectives, hardships, and joys of their grandparents and ancestors, improving relationships across generations.

But that’s not all. These children’s folk songs help children form connections and bonds with their communities and our American society at large. Music is powerful, and it has the ability to dramatically and positively affect emotions, attitudes, and perspective. Children need the associations and bonds of these little kids’ songs. They help children develop empathy for others and a vested interest in the future of their nation.

They need these bonds and connections to develop a foundational sense that they are an integral and valuable part of their communities and society. This foundational sense contributes to emotional health and more positive perspectives on failure and problems. It has been thought to be a driving force in a person’s inner motivation to accomplish good things with one’s life. There’s a huge difference in the way adults relate to others when their perspective is “we’re on the same team here” as opposed to “me vs. everyone.” These bonds and connections encourage openness and friendliness which precipitates positive interaction with others.

Children’s songs are taught in the formative years as they are figuring out how they fit in. The emotional and attitudinal power of these little songs cannot be underestimated in the lives of our children. Positive, affirming childhood conclusions regarding their relationship to others and their society persist through adulthood and can help propel them through hard times, improving not only their outlook, but their lives.