Families Singing Together is a new program being run by the Department of Human Services (DHS), encouraging parents, caregivers and their children to share joyful moments through music.
Aimed at children aged five and under, it is part of DHS's Families Growing Together program, which helps South Australian families by arming them with the knowledge and skills they need to flourish together.
DHS Senior Project Officer Kat Ochan says one way for families to connect, particularly in a child's early years, is through singing, storytelling and joyful movement.
“Some families don’t have the background of knowing nursery rhymes or haven’t grown up being read to, so they don’t realise that singing and reading to children isn’t just about entertainment, it is about forming connections and language,” Ms Ochan says.
“In each of the sessions, we support families to be curious and develop a strong sense of independence through songs, stories and music."
Families Singing Together is a free four-part program being offered at children’s centres and community centres across the state.
Topics covered include how singing, music and storytelling can build strong connection and building skills and boosting children's capacity to learn.
“We try to role model some of the ways you can play and connect with children on a day-to-day basis using props like puppets, ribbons and toys – things they may have at home," Ms Ochan says.
“You don’t have to be a wonderful singer, it’s about being silly, playing and making sounds and songs with your child that helps build their brains, which is really important for their future development.”
And if singing isn’t for you, there are a range of other workshops available through Families Growing Together to support families, including on cyber safety, building coping skills and parenting from a dad's perspective.
For more information about the Families Singing Together program or other Families Growing Together workshops, visit the workshop calendar on the DHS website. If you need extra support for your family, or you’re worried about a child or young person, visit the ASK website.
