Do you share your personal playlist with your kids? I suppose it probably depends on the mix. 

Now, I’m not in any way suggesting giving your tot unfettered access to DC 101. Without a doubt, managing or at least being cognizant of your kid’s music exposure is important. In one study conducted at Colorado State University, 16 percent of participating high school students "ranked music among their top three sources of moral guidance; 24 percent placed music in the top three for information on social interaction."

But honestly, I can only stomach so much of The Wiggles.

A few weeks ago, a girlfriend and I were discussing childhood memories. She said that her mom used to quiz her on Americana rock bands, top hits and the names of lead singers. While she found it kind of quirky, I fell in love with the idea.   

Music unites people and brings passion to movements. It gives definition to our least tangible emotions and has played a critical role in shaping human history.  While the youngest of children may not understand song lyrics, studies have shown that infants as young as eight months old can reliably differentiate between “happy” and “sad” music.

So it is only fitting that, in exploring our roots and giving our children perspective on the world, we would expose them to the music that moves and inspires us.

My thoughts of music appreciation homeschooling got a boost last weekend when my husband brought home a few CDs from the library. According to the Alexandria Library’s online search, our Duncan branch has almost 1,800 albums available for checkout ranging from rap and rock to opera and Gregorian chants.

He picked out John Coltrane, James Taylor, Putumayo’s Turkish Groove and Del Ray’s own Irish Breakfast Band. So far, so good. 

As we listened to James Taylor’s “Carolina in My Mind,” my 3-year-old and I talked about the singer-songwriter concept. You see, she likes to make up songs too. And in that moment, there was a tiny connection made between my preschooler and that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. 

To me, that’s pretty powerful. 

So, although we’ll still have our fill of toddler tunes, I’m making a greater effort to share the music and artists that move me.

And maybe I’ll throw in a pop quiz every now and then.