The Sounds That Soothe: Music for Children with Anxiety
Music for children with anxiety is emerging as a powerful tool, capable of calming the mind and regulating emotions without side effects.
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Childhood anxiety is no longer a marginal issue—it's an urgent reality. With increased screen time, stimulus overload, and early social pressures, many children are developing symptoms of chronic stress.
But it's not just about putting on a random playlist. Effectiveness lies in choosing the right rhythms, harmonies, and even the timing of your listening.
A study by the Federal University of Minas Gerais (2025) showed that children who listened to music with beats between 60 and 80 BPM (beats per minute) before going to sleep showed a 40% drop in insomnia episodes.
And the question remains: how can we transform this resource into a daily and truly effective habit?
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How Does Music Affect the Anxious Brain?
Music isn't just entertainment—it's neurochemistry. When a child listens to a relaxing melody, the brain releases dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters linked to well-being.
Furthermore, structures such as the amygdala (responsible for fear) have their activity reduced, while the prefrontal cortex (linked to emotional control) is stimulated.
Example: A school in São Paulo introduced guided listening sessions with music in major (happier tones) and minor (more introspective tones).
In three months, teachers reported fewer crying spells and greater ease in transitioning between activities.
Why does this happen? Because music creates a predictable “emotional script,” something anxious children unconsciously seek.
Characteristics of Ideal Music to Accelerate Relaxation
Not all music is calming—some can even aggravate agitation. The secret lies in specific elements:
- Slow tempo (60-80 BPM): Simulates resting heart rate.
- Simple harmonies: Avoid dissonances that can cause tension.
- Positive lyrics or lack of vocals: Minimizes cognitive overload.
Example: The “Sossego” playlist (available on Deezer) was developed in partnership with child psychologists.
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It combines violin instrumentals, nature sounds, and gentle beats, all synchronized to induce a state of progressive calm.
Just as a gentle rocking soothes a baby, the steady rhythm of music helps lull the nervous system.
Practical Applications: How to Use Music in Everyday Life
Morning Routine:
Starting your day with calming music (like Grieg’s “Morning Mood”) can reduce resistance to waking up.
Task Time:
Baroque music (e.g. Vivaldi) improves concentration in school activities.
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Before Bed:
Playlists with rain or harp sounds ease the transition to sleep.
Tip: Creating a “musical ritual” (e.g., the same song every night before bed) increases the positive association.
The Science Behind Therapeutic Effects
Music therapy is already recognized by the WHO as an adjuvant in the treatment of emotional disorders.
A clinical trial by the Institute of Psychiatry of SP (2024) compared children who used only medication with others who combined medication and music.
The second group had a faster improvement in generalized anxiety symptoms.
Comparison Table:
| Intervention | Anxiety Reduction (in 8 weeks) |
|---|---|
| Only medicines | 45% |
| Medicines + Music | 75% |
If a simple headset can be so transformative, why do we still underutilize it? music for children with anxiety in schools and offices?
The Importance of Consistency in Therapeutic Listening
The effects of music for children with anxiety are not immediate like a medicine, but cumulative like a therapy.
Studies indicate that regular exposure (at least 20 minutes daily) enhances its benefits, creating a kind of “emotional memory” in the brain.
A common mistake is to abandon the practice after a few days due to a lack of visible results.
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THE neuroplasticity It takes time – just as exercise doesn’t transform your body in a week, music gradually remodels neural connections.
Example: A daycare center in Rio de Janeiro adopted fixed "sound schedules" (9 a.m. and 3 p.m.) with specific songs. After two months, the teachers noticed that the children automatically sat up and took deeper breaths when the first notes played.
The Trap of Industrialized Sounds
Not everything marketed as "relaxing" actually soothes. Many commercial children's albums contain:
- Electronic beats disguised under sweet melodies
- Abrupt transitions between tracks
- Artificial sound effects that are overstimulating
The real one music for children with anxiety often comes from unexpected sources:
- Soundtracks from films such as “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” (Joe Hisaishi)
- Adapted indigenous songs (e.g., work by the Mawaca group)
- Instrumental versions of MPB (e.g., “Cais” by Milton Nascimento without lyrics)
When Music Isn't Enough? Warning Signs
Despite the benefits, music is no substitute for professional support in cases of:
- Frequent panic attacks
- Persistent physical symptoms (pain without a medical cause)
- Prolonged social isolation
In these scenarios, the music for children with anxiety works best as an adjunct to cognitive behavioral therapy or other interventions.
The Brazilian Association of Child Psychiatry recommends specialized evaluation if symptoms persist for more than 6 weeks, even with musical interventions.
Personalization as a Key to Effectiveness
There is no single formula when it comes to music for children with anxiety – each child responds differently to sound stimuli.
Some people find comfort in the sounds of nature, such as birdsong or the sound of ocean waves, while others find comfort in classical melodies or even instrumental versions of their favorite songs.
The secret lies in careful observation: parents and educators should note how the child reacts to different types of sounds – breathing, body posture, and emotional state after listening are valuable clues.
A music diary can help identify patterns and preferences, creating a personalized selection that truly works for each young listener.
Music as a Bridge for Communication
For children who have difficulty expressing their emotions verbally, music for children with anxiety can become an alternative language.
Through music, they can externalize complex feelings that they don't know how to name – anger can transform into louder drum beats, while sadness can find voice in slower piano melodies.
This approach is especially powerful when used interactively – inviting children to create sounds together, whether by clapping their hands to the beat, singing, or experimenting with simple instruments, transforms the musical experience into an emotional dialogue.
This practice not only relieves anxiety but also strengthens self-expression and self-confidence.
Conclusion: A Simple Yet Powerful Resource
Music won't solve all problems, but it's a powerful tool. It doesn't require training, is accessible, and can be adapted to any situation.
The challenge now is to make it an integral part of public policies and family routines. How about starting today?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to use relaxing music?
Early morning and before bed are the most effective times.
2. Do children with autism also benefit?
Yes, studies show that music helps with sensory regulation.
3. Are free playlists reliable?
We suggest those curated by institutions such as ABRA.
4. What if the child doesn't like the suggested songs?
Try different genres until you find the best combination.
