Parents find community through music and movement

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Singing, dancing, and a whole lot of screaming are helping build a supportive community at the Idaho Falls Public Library.

Music and Movement is a relatively new program at the library. It invites parents and children ages 0 to 5 to learn through singing and dancing.

"It is a high energy class that where we will sing and dance and usually do some work with a musical instrument, like the shaky eggs or rhythm sticks," Sarah Carr, the instructor and creator of the program, said. "It's meant for the 0 to 5 crowd. It is basically developing just some core skills of rhythm and rhyming."

Although advertised mainly for children, Carr says it's a great way for parents to build a community.

"I love the community that I see the moms and dads building up there. They look out for each other's kids," Carr said. "You wouldn't be able to tell that I notice because I'm singing the whole time. But I see when a kid falls down and another mom helps them. They're building a community."

When Carr first moved to Idaho Falls 9 years ago, she struggled to find her community. Many people who are new to the area, especially new parents, may be struggling to find a support system.

"When I moved here, my husband had a lot of connections, but I felt like a bit of an outsider. And so that was definitely hard. It took a little while to feel like this is home," Carr reflected. "I didn't take advantage of programs like this and I should have. Because it can be so isolating when you're new in town. And if you have a kid, sometimes it's even more isolating because you're not sure you know what to do."

Carr has made it her mission to not only teach kids with singing and dancing, but to help other lonely parents find their community.

"I definitely was lonely when I moved here but it's been nine years. So now it's home but it took a while," Carr said. "I am really excited for a parent who's lonely to come and find an outlet for their kid and hopefully it can make their day a little bit brighter."

More information about this and other events can be found at Idaho Falls Public Library Calendar.