[Parenting] Parent-child bonding! Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes collection
For children, hand-play songs where they sing and interact with familiar adults and friends are so much fun.
Hand-play songs and traditional nursery rhymes are said to have a very positive effect on children’s brain and emotional development.
It’s something we’d love to incorporate a lot into everyday life.
So this time, we’re introducing hand-play songs and nursery rhymes that parents and children can enjoy together.
From classic tunes everyone has heard to popular songs sung in daycare centers and kindergartens, there’s a lot to choose from!
Please try to find songs you can enjoy together that match your children’s age and interests.
Many of these songs have a good tempo and catchy melodies or phrases, so they’re easy to learn right away!
- Parent–child interactive play. Fun activities popular in childcare settings and at parent–child observation days.
- [For 0-year-olds] Recommended songs for babies: A special feature on bonding play and traditional nursery rhymes
- Baby massage song. A touch-and-play song that parents and children can enjoy together.
- [Hand Play] Popular with kids! A collection of trendy hand-play songs and nostalgic traditional children’s songs
- Get excited! A list of popular and fun hand games that captivate children
- Kids go wild! Popular hand games and fun sing-alongs
- Popular hand games and hand game songs for toddlers and children! Full of ideas for childcare/early childhood education.
- Handkerchief and Towel Play! A Collection of Fun Play Ideas
- [Children's Songs] Cute songs recommended for childcare. List of popular nursery rhymes.
- Nursery rhymes to sing to your baby! Recommended songs enjoyable from 0 months
- Ideas for Performances Recommended for 0-Year-Olds at Recitals and Play Events
- [For 1-year-olds] Fun Together! Recommended Songs and Hand Play Collection
- Snow Songs to Enjoy in Winter! Children's Snow Nursery Rhymes & Hand-Play Songs
[Parenting] Parent-Child Bonding! Hand-Play Songs and Traditional Nursery Rhymes (61–70)
Mom’s Slide
The key point of the “Mama’s Slide” baby massage song is the sliding part.
Sit your child on your lap, gently support both sides under their arms, and sway their body from side to side.
For the “stairs,” slowly bend and straighten your knees to raise and lower your child’s eye level, as if they’re climbing steps.
At the end, support your child on your bent knees and let them slide down.
When changing positions, talk to your child as you move so they don’t feel anxious.
Enjoy it at a comfortable pace that suits your child’s stage of development.
Mickey Mouse March
Set to the famous Mickey Mouse March, this is a baby massage song where you ask, “Where is your head?” After asking, gently tap with your hand and show your baby by saying, “Here it is, here it is, it’s right here.” You can do this with any body part like the tummy, cheeks, or bottom.
At the end, ask, “What is your name?” and lovingly say your baby’s name.
It might help them start learning their own name.
lazyboneswarabe uta
The children’s song handed down in Saga Prefecture has horsetail shoots as its theme, heralding the arrival of spring.
The lyrics call out to the sprouts as they peek up from the soil.
There are many ways to enjoy it—swaying together as parent and child or playing with a cloth, for example.
Reflecting the local culture, it is a cherished tradition passed down across generations.
It also seems to encourage interaction with springtime nature and promote rhythm and language development.
Widely enjoyed by various ages in nursery schools and kindergartens, it is a lovely song that expresses hopes for children’s healthy growth.
A-I-U-E-O nigiriSakushi Sakkyoku: Shuu Saeko
A bright, rhythmic tune themed around the joy and smiles of making rice balls as a family.
With lyrics that spark curiosity and imagination about everyday ingredients, it captivates children’s hearts.
First broadcast on NHK’s “Okaasan to Issho” in April 2001, the song has been covered by many artists, including Satoko Yamano and the Himawari Kids.
It’s used in nursery schools and kindergartens as part of food education, and it’s also recommended to hum along at home while making onigiri with your child.
Donut SongSakushi/Sakkyoku: Makimiki
Let us introduce a fun children’s song themed around donuts, created by Makimiki! It has a gentle feel that you and your child can hum along to.
With its rhythmic, poppy melody and a charming worldview that sings about peeking at Mom and Dad through the donut hole, it’s a must-listen.
The song was also featured on Sanrio’s kids’ program “Kitty’s Paradise.” At a perfect length of 1 minute and 2 seconds for singing together while engaging with your child, it helps create a delightful bonding time with its soothing tones and heartwarming lyrics.
It’s an excellent choice for playful music time and for encouraging friendly physical contact.
egg eggSakushi / Sakkyoku: Muroki Michiru
“I wonder what will come out when the egg cracks?” This is the hand play game “Tamago Tamago,” which captivates children and nurtures their imagination.
It uses both hands to show the egg cracking.
Play it with children and it’s sure to be a hit! It starts with a chick, then levels up to a snake, a penguin, or even a monster—sure to bring smiles to their faces.
It might be fun to build excitement by asking, “What will be born next?”
TulipSakushi: Kondo Miyako / Sakkyoku: Inoue Takeshi
Don’t you ever feel a rush of excitement just from listening to children’s songs? With lyrics by Miyako Kondo and music by Takeshi Inoue, this piece is a beloved favorite among children, celebrating the arrival of spring when colorful flowers bloom.
The melody is easy to remember and the lyrics are simple, so children quickly find themselves humming along.
It was released in July 1932 and recorded the following year.
At kindergarten entrance ceremonies, it would be lovely for the current students to sing it to welcome the newcomers.
If everyone sings together, it will surely ease the nerves and make for a joyful ceremony!