Every parent has those “things I never did before children” moments – like hearing yourself say, “no, we don’t put our dirty socks in the vegetable drawer.” Or, ya know, looking up to see your kid rocking out to a tune about anaphylaxis – and then admitting to yourself that, geez, that actually is a jam.
So it goes when your family discovers the groovetastic duo, the Teeny Tiny Stevies, who are here to rock your ears and solve your parenting problems, all at the same time.
Sisters Byll and Beth, originally folk-pop group The Little Stevies, started recording songs for children with their Useful Songs for Little People album, which will have you hooked at their toilet training rocker.
In February, the duo returned (now on ABC Music) with the follow up, Helpful Songs for Little People. For this album, they asked parents what things they wanted help talking to their young children about, and these responses became the foundation for the collection of 12 original songs.
The CD opens with “Friendly, Gentle, Sharing, Courageous,” which, musically, is walking in step with The Beatles, and lyrically encouraging these traits in kids, in order to make the world a nicer place for everyone.
Track 2, “Boss of My Own Body,” is the rock out tune, for me, and I promise you I will sneaky listen to this even if my kids aren’t home. It reminds me of an old Blondie song. Plus, it’s about bodily autonomy, which is just an awesome things for our littles to internalize.
Another amazing message that I was delighted to hear was “Boy or Girl Colours.” “Colors is everyone’s game/Every color is for everyone/primary, secondary, tertiary – all the same/ We all know that deep down, everyone is the same/ We all know that there is no such thing as a boy or girl color.” Yes! Sing it, sisters! And, I love that they made this song about the whole world of colors, not just “pink vs blue.”
“Light as a Bubble” is a cheery one you could hum together at daycare/pre-school drop off, about mum and dad leaving with “three big kisses, one big cuddle,” before a great day.
“Try It” is music to my ears, as the parent of a picky dinner eater. Pair this with “I Ate a Rainbow” from their first album, and you’re half way to raising a vegetable eater.
There are lessons in apologising, wearing sunscreen, stopping when a parent calls, and tying your shoelaces (I suspect I’ll be making good use out of this one before long).
“No Peanuts” is the allergy song that had my kid in a dance trance, and no wonder. It has a 60s psychedelic flare (in a totally family appropriate way!), that I’m certain makes it the mod-est song about peanut, shellfish, and tree nut allergies you’ve heard all week. I think it’s great, both for kids with allergies to feel heard, as well as non-allergy kids like my school starter who can always use a reminder of why it’s important not to share food.
And, if you want a little more peace and quiet at home, there are two great tunes on that theme. The sisters’ harmonies are at their most pristine on the beautiful “Sleep Through the Night,” which tells kids that, while “some species are nocturnal and active in the moonlight, human beings need to make sure we sleep through the night.” (I’ve put this one on repeat). Finally, the album closes on the smooth jazz invitation to slow down after an energetic day, “Quiet Time.”
I love that the Teeny Tiny Stevies make such fantastic music, and I’m am even more glad that they’ve decided to make it for kids. They’re delivering these age appropriate messages that I actually want my kids to hear in a package that is both intelligent and respectful to our children – and to their parents. Helpful Songs for Little People is a delight.
Read about the Teeny Tiny Stevies, buy their albums, see more of their videos, and check out their fun free stuff at their website.
This review is self-funded and independent.
This is the 4th in the Listening Ears On! series of children and family music reviews. Read the other reviews:
Littlefolk by Angie Who
Little Steps, Big Adventures by Tiptoe Giants
Hey Hey, Let’s Play by Nay Nay