Music for Babies #5: Jamie Parganos

“Music For Babies” is a collection of interviews exploring how music can strengthen the bond between Parents and their babies.

Jamie Parganos is co-founder and Executive Director of @creativemuseorg, recording artist alter ego at @demetrasongs and owner of @mommyhacksofficial and @thewondermommy

Can you tell us a little bit about your professional/ creative projects ?

I have a nonprofit organization called Creative Muse, which teaches creativity and mindfulness to both children and adults. We employ full-time artists through our Artist Employment Program, which allows them to focus on their own artistic projects for two days each week. We believe that artists are the best-equipped individuals to teach the creative process, which can be applied to all areas of life.

Additionally, I run a parenting blog called Wonder Mommy, which is a space open to all perspectives and approaches towards parenting. It was designed to be a place where mothers can come and feel free of societal expectations and stereotypes.

And on top of all that, I'm a recording artist and perform as part of a band with a small record deal—I tour throughout the East Coast regularly.

What was your own experience with music and musical education as a child, and how do you think it has affected your life?

Music was something that came naturally to me from a young age. My father was in a doo-wop group growing up. I was self-directed and began composing when I was ten years old. I did receive some traditional music training in school and college, but it was my high school choir that really inspired me to pursue a career in music. One of my teachers deeply believed in my abilities and mentored me through it all—I realized then how impactful a mentor can be.

Music has been hugely important in my life, especially during the tougher moments. As a teenager, it helped me work through a lot of personal struggles and stresses.

Can you tell us a bit more about you and your little family?

Of course! I'm a single mother to two wonderful boys. My youngest, Leo, is five years old and currently in kindergarten. He's already showing some serious musical talent and loves to dance and sing. He does a mean moonwalk.

Then there's my older son, Alex, who is seven years old and twice-exceptional (meaning he has special needs but is also gifted academically). He's really into computers and video games but can't help but be influenced by his musical parents (both of us were in a band together once upon a time)—sometimes he even composes original songs about our everyday lives.

How did you incorporate music into your daily routine with your newborn?

Music is a big part of our family's daily routine. With a twice-exceptional child, I find that it's especially helpful in keeping things calm and peaceful. For instance, in the morning, I'll use a five minute timer with a Hawaiian-lullaby-like song attached to it to create a calming atmosphere as we get ready for the day. Mornings can be chaotic with kids, so anything that helps set the right tone is essential!

Do you remember your baby's first favorite songs?

Oh, absolutely. Like any parent, I've heard "Baby Shark" more times than I can count, but for both of them, their absolute favorite song (which is still a hit today), is called "Baby Massage." It's a simple melody where I just sing "Baby massage" over and over again, but they adore it. We even do the activity, giving them foot massages while singing the song.

Did you use music or sounds to put your baby to sleep?

Most definitely. Even to this day, I often sing lullabies to my children to help calm them and prepare them for sleep. Additionally, we use the Calm and Moshi app to read them sleep stories each night. It's especially helpful as my boys are both very active and can get quite hyper before bedtime.

Jamie Parganos : Instagram