SONGS TO GROW BY: Planting Resilience, Joy & Identity Through Affirmation-Based Music
Why is this project different from all other music projects?
Because this one grows strong roots. As a therapist, musician, and teacher, I’ve spent decades helping people heal, grow, and reconnect to their essence. And time and again, I return to the same simple truth: What we plant early becomes the strongest part of who we are.
That’s why I created Songs to Grow By — a series of original, affirmational songs for children ages 4–10. Blending Torah wisdom, developmental psychology, and neuroscience, this album helps kids build emotional resilience, healthy identity, empathy, and joy through music. And the best part? They won’t even know they’re “working.” They’ll just be absorbing, listening and singing.
Why Start with Music?
When I we’re little, we recognize rhythms, and “move to the beat” before we know to speak or walk. I could sing full songs before I could write my name. That’s not special only to me—it’s how we’re all wired. Music is a language into the child’s nervous system.
Science tells us that the human brain encodes melody and rhythm far more easily than plain speech (Thompson & McFerran, 2015). When children sing something on repeat—like “I can do hard things.” or “Kindness starts with me.”—they’re not just performing. They’re practicing affirmative, identity-building self-talk in a joyful, embodied way. And we’re not just guessing. These songs are grounded in the most powerful themes of positive psychology—backed by Torah and Science.
“The songs we plant in childhood are like seeds—they grow into the inner voice that guides the soul.”
Torah Roots: The Seed and the Tree
The Toldos Yaakov Yosef shares a timeless mashal (metaphor): A small seed, if scratched or bruised, will grow crooked. But a tall tree, even if scarred, continues upward. Childhood is like a seed. Soft, pliable, and full of potential. If we fill early life with positive messages, we strengthen the child’s future path. But if we wait too long to nurture the roots, repair becomes harder. That’s why music matters so much in early childhood. It reaches the heart before logic can block the message. Psychology confirms that negative messages, and ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) negatively affect us long-term.
The Science Behind the Songs
Each song in Songs to Grow By highlights a foundational psychological theme. Here’s a quick summary of the science supporting this method:
1. Self-Esteem & Confidence
Affirmations reduce negative self-talk and foster healthy identity.
- Smeekes et al. (2017): Self-affirmation improved self-worth and emotional resilience in school-aged children.
- Sherman & Cohen (2013): Affirmations protect against performance anxiety and feelings of inadequacy.
2. Growth Mindset & Motivation
Reframing challenges as learning experiences supports persistence.
- Dweck & Yeager (2019): Growth mindset practices boost achievement and resilience.
- Rattan et al. (2015): Empowering language increases children’s intrinsic motivation.
3. Emotional Regulation
Music promotes internal calm through rhythm and breath.
- Thompson & McFerran (2015): Songwriting supports self-expression and emotional regulation.
- Greenberg et al. (2017): Music-based mindfulness improves focus and stress resilience.
4. Empathy & Social Skills
Participatory music improves cooperation, empathy, and social bonding.
- Kirschner & Tomasello (2010): Joint music-making increases helping behavior in children.
- Hallam (2015): Active music programs build emotional sensitivity and teamwork.
5. Stress Reduction
Calming music decreases cortisol and builds internal safety.
- Fancourt et al. (2019): Music therapy supports immune function and reduces anxiety.
- Gold et al. (2014): Music therapy lowers trauma symptoms in children.
6. Gratitude & Belonging
Songs about love and appreciation deepen social connection.
- Froh et al. (2014): Gratitude practices increased optimism and peer closeness.
- Emmons & Mishra (2011): Grateful children show more life satisfaction and social trust.
What’s in the Album?
Seven tracks, each designed for emotional growth:
- Thank You, God / Hashem — Gratitude
- I’m So Bright — Self-Worth & Purpose
- I Can Do Hard Things — Resilience
- Kindness Starts With Me — Empathy
- I Am Safe, I Am Strong — Emotional Security
- The World is Full of Wonders — Curiosity & Awe
- My Heart is Full of Love — Connection & Belonging
Each set of lyrics comes with 2 versions with:
- A singable, developmentally appropriate chorus
- Guided activities for classrooms, therapy offices or homes
- Movement prompts and reflection questions
Support the Vision: Kickstarter Launch August 4
We’re crowdfunding this album to help us:
- Professionally produce each track using A I-powered music tools
- Distribute songs with printable lesson plans and parent resources
- Build a library of additional albums — monthly or bi-monthly — over the next year
Hear sample songs now by CLICKING HERE
Back the Kickstarter Campaign (launching August 4) CLICK HERE to sign up and receive a reminder about my campaign when it begins.
Want to be part of this journey?
Spread the word to educators, therapists, schools, and fellow parents.
Final Thought
Our children’s world today is noisy with some confusing messages. But music can be a lighthouse—guiding them back to their inner truth. When we sing messages of self-worth, gratitude, kindness, and connection, we don’t just soothe children—we have the opportunity to shape them. Let’s plant seeds that last.
With love and purpose,
For a more extensive version of this article, please join my Substack column BY CLICKING HERE
We love hearing from you, please feel free to leave your comments below.
With Gratitude,
Rus Devorah
REFERENCES:
Alter Rebbe. (n.d.). Iggeres HaKodesh, Epistle 26. In Tanya. Kehos Publication Society. https://www.chabad.org/library/tanya/tanya_cdo/aid/7971/jewish/Epistle‐26.htm
Avot, P. (n.d.). Pirkei Avot 5:23. In Mishnah.
Kingma, B., & van Marken Lichtenbelt, W. (2015). Energy consumption in buildings and female thermal demand. Nature Climate Change, 5, 1054–1056. https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate2741
Luria, I. (16th century). Etz Chaim (teachings on birur ha-nitzotzot). Safed, Israel.
Matt, D. C. (Trans.). (2004). The Zohar: Pritzker Edition. Stanford University Press.
Mattson, M. P. (2008). Hormesis defined. Ageing Research Reviews, 7(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2007.08.007
Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self‐Regulation. W. W. Norton.
Rattan, S. I. S. (2008). Hormesis in ageing. Ageing Research Reviews, 7(1), 63–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2007.09.002
Schneerson, M. M. (Various years). Likkutei Sichos, letters, and talks. Kehot Publication Society.
Siegel, D. J. (1999). The Developing Mind: How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are. Guilford Press.
Spencer, J. P. E., Abd El Mohsen, M. M., Minihane, A. M., & Mathers, J. C. (2008). Bioavailability of flavonoids and polyphenols and their impact on human health. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 44(3), 377–383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2007.10.002
