How a music session gave my anxious preschooler confidence and calm
One Thursday afternoon, I arrived at preschool to collect my youngest, E. I already knew they’d had a music workshop that day with Boogie Mites, and I was fully expecting to hear that he had refused to join in—just like every other time. But instead of a quiet handover and a tired child, I was greeted by an excited E bouncing into the foyer, with a trail of praise from staff behind him.
I was stunned. What on earth had happened?
It turned out he had not only joined in with the Boogie Mites music session—he’d been fully engaged for the entire thing. I was absolutely floored. This is a child who finds unfamiliar, noisy environments extremely difficult. Music? Loud, unpredictable, group participation? Not usually his thing.
But Boogie Mites had reached him.
A Moment of Connection
Boogie Mites provides music workshops designed to support cognitive, emotional, and physical development in young children. The session E took part in was specifically focused on easing the transition to primary school. The idea was simple but brilliant: run three sessions in preschool, then hold a final one at the new primary school—bridging the gap through music.
It worked.
Once home, E sang the songs on repeat so I could learn them too. When it was time for the final session at his new school, he didn’t hesitate. No tears, no resistance. He knew what to expect, and that familiarity made all the difference. He practically skipped into school, beaming and ready to show me just how enthusiastically he could bang sticks together.
Why This Matters for Neurodivergent Children
As a parent navigating the often-overwhelming process of preparing a neurodivergent child for school, I’m always on the lookout for tools that actually help. And Boogie Mites nailed it. E thrives on repetition and familiarity—things that help regulate his nervous system and give him confidence. The repeated songs and consistent structure of these sessions tapped into that beautifully.
While the workshop likely benefited all the children in the group, for those like E who struggle deeply with transitions, it was something else entirely. It wasn’t just fun. It was transformational.
A Small Step with Big Impact
We’ll keep singing the songs over the summer, and I’ll update on how things go once the school year begins and those same songs appear in the classroom setting. But I already know this experience has made a lasting impression on my son—and on me.
Massive thanks to our preschool for taking this proactive step and organising the sessions. It’s shown me just how powerful music can be in helping neurodivergent kids navigate change.
If you’re supporting a child who’s preparing for school and could benefit from structure, familiarity, and fun, I highly recommend checking out the Boogie Mites transition to school sessions.
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