In February of 1999, I told my 16-year old son that I was going out for the night.  As I answered his question about where I was going, “To see Charlotte Diamond”, he started to laugh and recount his early childhood memories of us singing Charlotte’s songs together.

 

Recently I had a similar experience as I closed a seminar with university students with Charlotte’s song “May There Always Be Sunshine”.  Students spontaneously blurted out, “I remember that song!  I used to sing that with my mom!”  They began to sing and sign this wonderful song.

 

It really doesn’t seem that long ago that my son belted out “Sasquatch”.  It is not just the words and lively rhythms that I recall; it is the feeling of holding my son, sharing, laughing and playing together that I remember.  What is it about Charlotte Diamond’s songs that touch everyone’s hearts?  Her songs have the capacity to teach about building relationships and to bring us together within our family, community and world.  How can a song have this power?  As I listened to my son, I thought about how our singing made me feel – calm and connected to my child then and now years later.

 

Listen to, and don’t forget to sing, “Four Hugs a Day”.  It really is about teaching how to communicate with your child.

 

Step one – look them right in the eye.

Step two – nose to nose.

Step three – reach your arms.

Step four – you can’t do any harm with . . .

Four hugs a day – that’s the minimum.

Four hugs a day – not the maximum.

 

I read the words of Charlotte’s songs, and I see that she is giving me the same information as famous child psychologists.  Every child needs to feel – I am loved; I am loving; I am capable; I belong.  Charlotte emphasizes the importance of being accepted, loved and the feeling of belonging.  She helps our children learn to become caring and competent.  She accomplishes all of this using a fun and adventuresome style. 

 

Her songs are full of imaginary adventures, animals, weird and wonderful words, and lots of actions.  If you have an active child, these songs are made for her.  She teaches us about moving our body.  Jumping, crawling, and stretching are part of some of Charlotte’s songs.

 

She also teaches us new languages.  Many songs are translated into French and Spanish.  A few other songs are translated into Cantonese, Hebrew, German, Russian, Norwegian, and Italian.  Most songs include the use of sign language.  Even very young children love to use the signs as we sing the words.

 

Charlotte is a certified teacher with degrees in Zoology and French.  This is reflected in the themes of nature throughout her songs.  What do each of us need to grow?  Charlotte’s song “Each of Us is a Flower” recognizes that all people need friends, family, food and nurturing.  What a wonderful way to learn about our unique qualities.  We are becoming more aware of the beautiful diversity in our world.  Throughout her songs we learn about love and respect of ourselves, others, and nature.  We sing about celebrating differences and leaving the world a little bit better.

 

Join us on Wednesday, April 22 as we present Charlotte Diamond in concert at the Forest City Community Church.  Her use of props, catchy rhythms, and interactive style makes for an entertaining event for everyone.  For tickets or more information, please contact Jane Powers at 519-434-3644 x36.

 

By Marg Glendon, Parent Educator