There are two types of songs used in the Primary program. (Primary is the organization for children ages 18 months to twelve years.) The first are commonly called wiggle songs. These are fun action songs, designed to help children who have been sitting quietly for too long have an opportunity to move in a way that is appropriate for church. They aren’t irreverent, just active and bouncy, but they are on topics appropriate to be sung in church, such as nature, our bodies, or service.
The second type of song is the hymn, but written for a child. Although we call them Primary songs, they are really sacred hymns. They teach the gospel through song and are quieter.
We can use both types of songs in our homes to help our children learn their new religion, and also to help bring the spirit into our homes. Music can be a unifying factor, and a fun way to introduce good concepts.
I used Primary songs as lullabies when my children were small. They are peaceful and invite the spirit, which can help a child feel safe as he falls asleep. This gave the songs an association with comfort as well.
The peppier songs are fun to sing while you work together around the house. The children are entertained and less likely to argue or complain when they’re singing gospel songs. They also make good car songs.
The spiritual songs can be sung anytime. When a child is facing a challenge or has a question about his new religion, check to see if there is a Primary song on the subject. The songs can give a child courage to face what is ahead or help him understand the doctrine. There is something about singing a song repeatedly that helps put the message into a child’s heart, often helping him understand it in ways talking cannot.
For example, “A Child’s Prayer” is about a child who wonders if God is real, and if He can actually hear children pray. A child who wonders about this might feel safer singing the worry than saying it. He might feel it’s wrong to doubt God. However, he is just singing a song, so it will feel okay. Then, as the child in the song learns to understand God’s love for him, your own child can also understand that God is, indeed, real, and will not only hear his prayers, but answer them.
Fill your home with the music the church has written for its children and watch their newfound testimonies grow.
The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.
