Alicia Keys loves singing nursery rhymes

Alicia Keys says performing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star with her husband is one of their favourite pastimes.

The singer opened up about motherhood and how she likes to spend time with her family.

Alicia gets her husband hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz involved in cheesy rhyme singing to their two-year-old son Egypt.

"We're always singing together. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, The Hokey Pokey, Happy Birthday, and we like one of my songs, New Day," Alicia told Parent & Child magazine. "That's Egypt's favourite."

The 31-year-old chart topper explained what other activities she likes to do with her family. The highly ambitious star admitted she is inflicting adult culture on her toddler, although she does allow him to let his hair down occasionally.

"We love to go to art galleries and to the park. We love to do painting days and to visit our family — and we also love to run around our house and just go nuts!" Alicia laughed.

The star is currently promoting her fifth studio album Girl on Fire and discussed how she has changed both personally and professionally since becoming a mother.

Alicia feels lucky to have taken to motherhood so well while also maintaining a successful career as a recording artist.

"Being a parent has made me more open, more connected to myself, more happy, and more creative. I'm more discerning in what I do and how I do it. It's just made me a better person all the way around," Alicia gushed.

"What's been surprisingly hard about becoming a mom is being away from him and trying to find that magical balance for everything, which I kind of expected. But on the flip side, what's been surprisingly easy is just how natural parenthood feels. I feel great about how easily I've fallen into the role. I love it!"