How to Listen to Music You Like with Young Kids

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Let’s get real for a second: if you’ve found yourself humming the Bluey theme song at midnight or know every word to “Baby Shark,” you are not alone.

When you’re a mom of little ones, it can feel like cartoon characters and animal noises have hijacked your entire playlist.

But guess what? You deserve to listen to music you actually like—without feeling guilty about it.

Music isn’t just background noise. It’s a mood booster, a time machine, and yes—a form of self care. You don’t have to give up your favorite tunes just because you have kids.

In fact, listening to music you love is one of those easy self care habits that can completely change the vibe of your day.

Why It’s Okay (and Healthy!) to Listen to Music You Like

You might think, “I don’t listen to music anymore because it’s just not kid-friendly.” Or maybe you’ve gotten so used to the constant stream of children’s songs that you forgot how much fun it is to dance around the kitchen to your own playlist.

But you can listen to music that brings you joy while still being mindful of your kids’ little sponge-like brains.

Putting on music that makes you happy is a fantastic way to connect with yourself and rediscover that pre-kid part of you. It’s one of those self care at home practices that takes zero prep, zero cost, and can happen at any time.

Plus, you’re modeling joy, rhythm, and variety. Let your kids see that moms have awesome taste in music, too!

What Music Do You Listen To with Kids Around?

That’s the golden question. You want to dance, vibe, or zone out—but you also don’t want your three-year-old shouting questionable lyrics at the playground.

Because they will!

So, here are a few tips to make your favorite music more family-friendly:

1. Choose Clean Versions

Love pop, hip-hop, or rock? Go ahead—just look for the “clean” or radio edit versions. Streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music usually offer kid-safe options for most songs.

That way, you get the beat you love without the words you don’t want repeated in Grandma’s house.

That said, there are just some songs that aren’t as good when it’s the clean version. For that situation, I have a playlist that I listen to only when I’m alone in the car.

That doesn’t happen often, but it is a treat to blast my favorite inappropriate music while running errands!

2. Make It a Dance Party

Turn chore time into a living room dance-off. Blast some of your favs and get moving!

It’s a great energy release for the kids and a guaranteed mood booster for you. Plus, you’ll get a little cardio in while you’re at it—a win-win.

3. Build a Shared Playlist

Create a family playlist that includes music everyone enjoys. Think Motown, classic rock, 90s throwbacks, acoustic covers, or feel-good indie tracks. That’s all great music to listen to that doesn’t rely on cartoon voices or silly sound effects.

Let your kids hear a little of everything—jazz, classical, folk, pop, and even your favorite movie soundtracks. The goal is to expose them to a variety of sounds and styles.

After all, if we want them to grow up with good taste, we’ve got to start somewhere!

4. Find Kid Music You Enjoy

You may not want to stay away from kid music altogether. That’s fair. Kids really enjoy music made for them.

What we did was introduce music from our childhood to our kids. We regularly blast Raffi in our house. The kids absolutely love it!

And we get a little nostalgia boost while dancing to silly songs.

5. Have Designated Times to Listen to What You Want

Since my husband and I got together, we’ve been having big Sunday breakfasts. He found a random folk playlist on Spotify, and we started listening to that.

Many of the songs have become very nostalgic for us—we even had them on our wedding playlist!

So now, we listen to this playlist every Sunday as we make our big breakfast. And my kids know that. They don’t get upset because it’s the same every week.

They know that after Sunday morning, they can choose the music they want.

And often, what my oldest chooses is music that isn’t for kids.

The Mental Health Boost of Listening to Music

Music can be magic when you’re having a hard parenting day. If you’re feeling touched out, overstimulated, or stressed out, you can throw on a song that speaks to your soul.

I’ve found that this is a great way to reset yourself in those challenging moments.

This is where self care ideas get really simple and realistic. You don’t need a bubble bath and an hour of silence (though wouldn’t that be nice?).

Sometimes, what self care looks like is stepping into the kitchen, putting on your favorite song, and singing like nobody’s watching while you make lunch.

It’s incredible how much lighter things can feel after just one good song.

Tips for Making Music Part of Your Self Care Routine

Ready to reclaim your playlist? Here are some fun ways to work more of your music into your life:

• Start the day with your favorite track. Wake up before the kids and hit play on something that energizes you.
• Make a “Mom Vibes Only” playlist. Include songs that remind you of who you are beyond motherhood.
• Use music as a transition tool. Need a reset between activities? Turn on a calming song or an upbeat anthem.
• Have themed music nights. Try “Throwback Thursday” or “Feel Good Friday” as a way to explore different genres.
• Include music in other self care habits like journaling, stretching, or tidying up.

Music You Should Listen To (With Your Kids in the Room)

Still not sure where to start? Here are some crowd-pleasing artists and genres that typically pass the kid-friendly test without sacrificing style:

• Jack Johnson
• The Beatles
• Taylor Swift (clean versions)
• Disney and Pixar soundtracks (surprisingly listenable!)
• Motown classics
• Acoustic covers of popular hits
• Ben Rector, Andy Grammer, or Vance Joy
• Movie scores for chill vibes

You don’t need to settle for music that makes your ears bleed just because you have toddlers. Explore new sounds, revisit old favorites, and give yourself permission to press play on music that fills you up.

Listen to Music that Makes You Feel Alive!

It’s more than entertainment—it’s a form of self care athome that fits perfectly into your busy mom life.

By choosing music that lifts your mood and works for your little ones, you’re showing them that self care matters—and that joy can be found in the simplest of rhythms.

So turn up the volume, grab a dance partner (or a laundry basket), and let the music play!