Album Review: Made to Bloom by Stephanie Leavell

The album you need right now.

Made to Bloom came out on March 3rd, and I am so genuinely excited to talk about this album that I went as far as starting a blog to do so. 

---

Why you need to take a listen with or without your kiddos

This album is a kids album about mental health. Besides for the fact that Stephanie's voice is instantly calming and soothing, the music actually talks about important mental health themes in a way that is developmentally appropriate for children. Sometimes these themes are tough to bring up on their own, but music is a great way of introducing these topics.

Stephanie Leavell

---

The Three Songs You Need to Start Using with your Kids

1. Grizzly Bear Grump- this is a song with a strong, regulating body that will encourage your kids to move through and express their frustration. This song guides kids through stomping their feet, squeezing their arms and twisting their shoulders to help them release that tension in their body. I will definitely be using this song with kiddos to help guide them through that angry and frustrated state. â€‹

2. All I Want To Do- this is an incredibly song for helping a child (or adult) work through emotions, particularly anxiety. What I particularly love about this song are the possibilities to adapt it to different emotions and coping skills. In therapy, this will be a PERFECT fill-in-the-blank activity. 

3. I Need a Break- ok, so besides for the absolutely gorgeous mandolin happening on this song, I love that this song for helps kids (and adults) practice saying "I need a break". This is a similar theme to what you'll see coming up on my new album, Resilient Child, coming out Fall 2023. Asking for a break, space or a rest is such an important advocacy skill for children to learn and this song is a beautiful way of reinforcing that.

---

The Three Songs I Want You, the Adult To Listen To:

1. If You Need to Cry- ok, grab the tissues for this one. Is this song good for your kids to hear? Yes, absolutely, but I think for a lot of us adults, we might need to hear this one even more. This song gives me ALL the feels and if you need to release some waterworks, put this one.
2. Grateful Heart- move over Adele. Around 2:08 Stephanie begins one of the most beautiful bridges and messages I've ever heard. Get ready for chills. I can't even tell you how many times I have listened to her vocals here.
3. Slow Down- the harmonies on this one WILL melt you. This one is straight up for all the parents and caregivers out there. The verses so beautifully describes the pride and love someone feels for their growing up and developing child.  But the chorus has a message that applies to all people and in all walks of life. "Why don't we just take a minute to slow down", Stephanie describes that ability to slow down and enjoy those awe-inspiring moments that pop up in life. 

Check out the songs and let us know your favorites!

To learn more about Stephanie and her business, Music for Kiddos, or her free song-of-the-month club, check her out at musicforkiddos.com

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MusicForKiddos.com (@music_for_kiddos)

To learn more about Miss Julieann, the author,  explore this website more or visit her on social media @missjulieannmusic 

View this profile on Instagram

Miss Julieann | Music & Art (@missjulieannmusic) • Instagram photos and videos