How to Dance With Your Child

Encourage your child to dance and you'll do more than just have a blast together-you'll help them express themselves, learn about rhythm and movement, and enjoy keeping their bodies active. Here is how to dance with your child.

Instructions

1. Pick the right time, which is really any time. Breaking out into song and dance is not just for Broadway musicals-it's especially helpful during a moment of tension. Turn on some music and see what shakes out. Or preempt the pre-dinner whining with an '80s moonwalk demonstration. Spontaneous dancing feels great, but don't discount a little planning. Once you get in the habit of turning the music on, the dancing will be second nature.

2. Pick a place-or let it pick itself. There's no need to clear out the living room furniture. Sometimes a small kitchen can be even more fun. (Perhaps you remember the pre-child years of crowded all-night dance clubs.)

3. Pick the tunes. Children love upbeat songs with simple lyrics they can follow. A good litmus test for children's dance songs: Can they jump to it? Can they easily clap to it? Would you want your child to recite the lyrics to your mother-in-law?

4. Act like a kid, which means check your self-consciousness at the door. Kids love to see their parents act silly.

5. Teach your child some moves. Dance like a monkey. Wiggle like a snake. Swim like a fish. Shake your head and booty.

6. Learn some moves from them. If they like to jump straight up and down for an entire chorus, follow their lead. They will love being in charge.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a favorite dance song and let each child pick "his" song. Even this type of pseudo-ownership encourages children to get excited about music and dancing.

• Don't get caught dancing in the car with your children. Although it's a great way to keep them entertained, you will quickly earn a geek medal. And maybe a ticket for distracted driving?

Resources

• Dan Zanes
• Laurie Berkner Band