Communication Through Music: An Accessible Tool for Parent-Child Connection
Parent involvement in music therapy extends far beyond supporting a child’s developmental goals—it strengthens the parent-child relationship through meaningful musical interactions. In this episode, Cindy Kraus, shares her experiences working in a Head Start program and how music can be a powerful, accessible tool for fostering connection. She discusses practical strategies for engaging parents, encouraging meaningful musical interactions, and fostering relationships through accessible, everyday music-making. Cindy also highlights the importance of relationship-building in empowering parents to feel confident and involved in their child’s development, making music an easy and effective way to enhance communication and connection at home.
Resources
Conscious Discipline. (n.d.) The Conscious Discipline Brain State Model. https://consciousdiscipline.com/methodology/brain-state-model/
Pasiali, V. (2012). Supporting parent-child interactions: Music therapy as an intervention for promoting mutually responsive orientation. Journal of Music Therapy, 49(3), 303–334. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/49.3.303
About The Interviewee
Cindy Kraus, MT-BC, is specialized in early childhood development. She works with children ages 0-5 at a Head Start center in Kansas City, MO, where she is dedicated to providing resources and support to children, parents, and teachers. Cindy is passionate about making music an accessible tool for connection and play, helping families engage more deeply through shared musical experiences. Contact: cindy.white1995@gmail.com
Suggested Citation
Shina, E. (2025, May 1). Communication through music: An accessible tool for parent-child connection [Audio podcast]. imagine. www.imagine.musictherapy.biz