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: [email protected]

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