Turn stressful routines into connection using music, voice, and simple rituals.
Guest
Craig Parks, ParentingHarmony. Music educator and creator of the A-to-E method for parent–child connection.
What you’ll learn
• How parent singing builds bonding even if you “can’t sing”
• Bedtime routine for autistic children that lowers anxiety
• Nonverbal communication that boosts cooperation (eye level, posture, tone)
• How rhythm sets state: upbeat for play, mellow for sleep
• Why foot massage and orchestral music change brain chemistry
Chapters
03:34 From rock and roll to working with kids
05:44 First-grade song that still lasts decades later
08:06 The A-to-E method: Affect → Effect in parenting
10:04 Why parent singing raises serotonin
12:35 “Your voice is the voice of love” – why pitch doesn’t matter
16:35 Creating new dreams after an autism diagnosis
20:59 Bedtime rituals that lower anxiety
23:25 Foot massage, oxytocin, and orchestral music
31:28 Nonverbal cues: eye level and posture for cooperation
34:56 Turning bath time into a calming ritual with song
39:48 Using your voice beyond tasks to say “I love you”
41:49 Songs for play: Dancing on Daddy’s Shoulder, Bubbles
44:42 Rhythm: energize vs calm
47:17 Music, heart rate, and movement in sensory enrichment
49:13 Dopamine, Parkinson’s, and music for mobility
50:43 Closing offers and resources
Resources
Learn about sensory enrichment: https://www.mendability.com
Explore Craig’s course: https://www.parentingharmony.com
Email Craig for $100 off: CraigParks@ParentingHarmony.com
About
Guest: Music-based parenting tools for connection in daily routines.
Claudie Pomares: Sensory Enrichment Therapy and family-centered brain development.
Next
Watch our episode on meltdown de-escalation using sensory enrichment.
#musictherapy #autismparenting #bedtimeroutine