Seventeen years ago, armed with a tambourine, a nappy bag, and a whole lot of heart, I launched a little baby and toddler music programme from my living room. What started as a fun way to bond with my own toddler and contribute to our household income has grown into a vibrant, joy-filled community of families singing, giggling, wriggling, and growing together. Back then, I had no idea that a few musical instruments and some musical creativity could change my life. I was a new(ish) mom keen to be based at home but needing to contribute financially. I wanted something playful, purposeful, and flexible enough to work around nap schedules and school runs. So I created it – and Wriggle and Rhyme was born. Seventeen years on, I’ve had the absolute joy of watching thousands of little ones discover the magic of music – shaking their shakers, tapping their toes, and beaming with pride as they learn and grow. I’ve seen moms, dads, grannies, and nannies light up during classes, finding connection not just with their child, but with each other. It hasn’t all been lullabies and finger puppets – running a business while raising a family is no small feat! But every smile, every “again!” from a toddler, and every message from a parent saying how much their child loves music reminds me why I started. My toddler that started the Wriggle and Rhyme journey with me is called Nathan, and he’s just about to finish matric. He has blossomed into an accomplished drummer himself. What an exciting and incredible musical adventure it’s been! The BABY and TODDLER programme has grown from strength-to-strength and mushroomed into a PRE-SCHOOLERS programme now too. What an absolute privilege to share my passion for music education with so many children over the years! Wriggle and Rhyme’s is taught now by a team of gentle, friendly and fun teachers. You can meet them HERE. So here’s to 17 more years of songs, stories, sticky fingers and full brain workouts. To all the families who’ve wriggled and rhymed with us over the years – thank you. You’ve made this journey one big, beautiful, musical adventure. And guess what? We’re just getting started. Keep wriggling, keep rhyming – the best is yet to come! Musical resources Find us at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za or on Facebook and Instagram @wrigglerhyme.