If you love listening to music, why not share your passion with
your grandchildren? “Music is a wonderful way to connect with
grandchildren because it provides an avenue that you can both
travel,” says Lillian Carson, a doctor of social welfare and
author of The Essential Grandparent. Through the ages, music has
brought people together at special occasions and momentous
events such as weddings. “In most people’s lives, music is a
powerful mechanism that motivates, energizes, and cuts across
age groups,” says Al Bumanis, a board certified music therapist
and communications director for the American Music Therapy
Association. Set the tone for the past Introducing some of your
cherished tunes to a grandchild may provide a great catalyst for
imparting information about your past. “Kids love to hear
stories about their families, so weave some of your memories
into music to pique their interest,” Dr. Carson says. “For
example, when playing a favorite big band song, tell the
children that there was a world war going