Top 10 Children’s Songs with Relevant Life Lessons

1. Jack and Jill (went up the hill…): The lesson here is never trust a man to lead the way. Make your own path and don’t follow blindly behind anyone, even if he is wearing a crown.

2. Be Kind to Your Web-Footed Friends (for a duck may be somebody’s mother…): Obviously, kindness is important. Remember to be kind to those of us who are too short, too tall, too fat, too skinny or just too different to fit in.

3. Puff, the Magic Dragon: Urban legend says this is a song about smoking marijuana. The author said it’s about the loss of innocence. I don’t know the truth, but I do know there’s something to be said for childhood innocence and naiveté. I think the message is that we should all aspire to live in a world where puff, the magic dragon, means exactly what it says, where life is that simple and people that transparent. There is beauty in its simplicity. One suggestion: Don’t spend more time with “the magic dragon” than your homework.

4. Daisy Bell (Bicycle Built for Two): If a man offers you a ride on his tandem bike, just say no. Unless he’s on his way to the Maserati repair shop, in which case you can offer to drive him there.

5. Boom, Boom Ain’t it Great to be Crazy?: Being crazy is one thing, being annoying is another. There are many people who think everybody wants to hear about their unique and exciting lives, but the truth is people grow tired of others monopolizing the conversation. Some people may be surprised to know others have interesting lives, too. A word to the wise: Make sure you’re not one of those people and if you are, stop it. Let other people have their moment in the spotlight.

6. If You’re Happy and You Know It: Don’t just stand there with a grin on your face. Do something to make someone else’s day. Pay it forward. Someday, you may need a friend to do the same thing for you.

7. It’s Not Easy Being Green: So you’re the strong, silent type. You’re beautiful in your own quiet, unassuming way. There is nothing wrong with that. Embrace yourself in daily life.

8. Angels Watching Over Me: Many people believe they are watched over by a higher power. The flip side is there’s always someone watching what you do. Practice what you preach because you never know whose eyes are on you.

9. Magic School Bus Theme: If you find yourself on a magic school bus, please refer back to the suggestion in No. 3.

10. Kindergarten Song: This song sums it up neatly: Talk nice, think twice/Say we’re sorry to kids if we hurt them/Don’t tease, say please/And clean up the mess if we make it, yeah/Clean up the mess if we make it, yeah.