Ever get a singing telegram? It’s payback time. The tradition of serenading your beloved has a long history. Even the most musically challenged have participated with pride. Years ago, a young man would sing loudly to his lady love as she swooned from a second-story dormitory window. Such spontaneity makes serenades special—or at least memorable.

You sing your child to sleep as you rock her small form. Look that little one in the eye until she nods off. Stare at her beautiful features. You might want to make the lyrics personal by inserting your child’s name where appropriate. Children love to be singled out. Youngsters delight in having their siblings’ names woven into the verses too.

Unfortunately, that gentle interest in lullaby time won’t last as children reach the in-between years. They’ll develop mixed emotions about your singing, even if you’re belting out a tune in their honor. They abhor an audience at that age. If you must croon, keep it low-key and on key. Maybe you’ll get special dispensation to solo on a birthday, but don’t hold your breath. Warn sleepyheads that they’re fair game for a rousing get-out-of-bed ditty if the alarm is ignored.

During the teen years, you may need to serenade your young adult with a heartsong accompanied by a voice of silence. Unless immune to mortification, your teenager won’t thank you for showing up at the pizza parlor or school game to sing. He’ll thank you if you don’t! Fortunately this awkward stage passes in a few years.

One day your attempts at song may be welcomed at graduation, on your son or daughter’s wedding day, or at the birth of your grandchild. When the time comes, hold your kids close and quietly sing, “Jesus Loves You.” They’ll remember.