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Family Concerts: A Modern Parent’s Guide to Enjoying Live Music with Kids
In the realm of 21st-century parenting, a fascinating trend has emerged where new parents continue to attend concerts featuring bands they loved prior to having children, bringing their little ones along for the experience. This family concert phenomenon reflects a broader lifestyle choice that allows parents to retain their musical passions even without a babysitter. Alongside options like “Family Tables” at bars and Baby Nights at the movies, parents are finding creative ways to maintain their social lives.
This trend may require a touch of wishful thinking, reminiscent of the hardcore punk fans in the ’70s: “If I just close my eyes and pretend hard enough, maybe I’ll forget about the diaper changes between sets.” When I shared this observation with my friend Jennifer, a grandmother in her sixties, she remarked, “Oh dear! Just what we need—more enforced togetherness!”
I wholeheartedly support parents seeking a night out, as it adds an element of mystery and exclusivity to concert-going. It provides an opportunity to convey to children that attending live music events is a unique privilege, akin to legal drinking or obtaining a driver’s license. These moments can be milestones to point to as children grow, encouraging them to aspire towards these experiences.
An alternative approach to music appreciation is the ambient method, where parents play their preferred music at home, allowing children to absorb it naturally without pressure. I would love to collect a dollar for every musician I’ve interviewed who attributed their musical influences to their parents’ playlists. Good music, much like good nutrition, should be available, but ultimately, it’s up to children to embrace it.
However, imposing your musical tastes too rigidly on your child may lead to rebellion. In the tumultuous teenage years, when young individuals seek to establish their own identities, a child inundated with your favorites might gravitate toward the opposite end of the spectrum. A teenager who has only been exposed to classic rock or punk may find themselves drawn to pop artists like Ariana Grande instead.
When my eldest daughter, Lily, was in fifth grade, Crowded House performed at the iconic Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. Having noticed her humming tracks from their album “Together Alone,” I agreed to take her along. This decision was partly motivated by the hope of a memorable moment, as well as the potential for a unique concert experience together.
On a surprisingly warm spring night, we crossed the Bay Bridge from Oakland to stand in line for the general admission show. Lily, at just under 4’10”, expressed concerns about being overwhelmed by the crowd. Given my experience at Crowded House shows, I reassured her that the audience typically consisted of older fans, most of whom were friendly and environmentally conscious.
As we waited, we struck up conversations with fellow concert-goers, including a couple who taught fifth grade and invited Lily to the front row for a better view. Shortly after, a security guard kindly offered her a chair, allowing her to sit just three feet from the stage.
When Crowded House finally took the stage, Lily donned her bright purple earplugs. Midway through the performance, the same security guard handed her a water bottle from the stage. In a moment of connection, the guitarist even winked at her while she drank.
As the concert neared its end, the guard returned with a rolled-up concert poster, declaring it a special gift. Just as we were about to leave, an older gentleman approached us and gave Lily a backstage pass, enhancing her experience even further.
However, this close connection to my musical preferences comes with its own risks. There’s always the chance that our children will forge their own paths, potentially leading them away from the music we cherish. For more insights on family planning, consider exploring resources like the CDC’s information on pregnancy and infertility. Additionally, if you’re interested in home insemination methods, our blog discusses various options here. For those considering at-home solutions, Make A Mom provides authoritative information on insemination kits.
In summary, family concerts can serve as a delightful way for parents to share their musical interests with their children, fostering a love for music while allowing kids to form their own tastes. However, it’s essential to strike a balance, giving children the freedom to explore their musical identities.