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Babies turn us into non-stop singing machines. Why?

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An image of a smiling baby. They're being held up to face the camera.
How do songs affect a child's development?(Getty: FG Trade)

A founding member of the band Gang of Youths. A single mum from Adelaide. A dad of two in Brisbane. What do all these people have in common?

They all have young kids, and they all sing to them constantly!

This week we ask: why do babies turn us into non-stop singing machines? Where does this instinct come from and what purpose does it serve?

This episode was first broadcast in August 2023.

Guests:
Dr Alix Woolard 
Researcher, Embrace
Telethon Kids Institute
University of Western Australia

Joji Malani
Gang of Youths founding member, solo artist and father

Lara Torr
Mother

Other parents: 
Adelaide Badgery
Georgia Walker
Georgia Jarecki-Warke 
Kellie Scott
Leanne Waterfield
Matt Burrell
Michael Gatt and Tenille Kennedy
Mike Williams
Natalia Henderson-Faranda
Regan Beattie 
Ryan Egan
Sarah Martin
Virginia Spicer-Harden
Yvonne Ardley

Producer:
Rose Kerr

Sound Engineer:
Tegan Nicholls

Credits

Broadcast 
Psychology, Parenting
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