In today’s society, a fascinating trend has emerged among new parents: attending concerts featuring the bands they loved before their parenting journey began, all while bringing their little ones along for the experience. This phenomenon, often referred to as “family concert-going,” is part of a broader shift toward family-inclusive entertainment options. Similar to establishments that feature “Family Tables” or movie theaters that host Baby Nights, this trend demonstrates a commitment to not sacrificing personal enjoyment in the face of parenting responsibilities.
However, it requires a certain mindset, reminiscent of those who enjoyed the hardcore punk scene in the ’70s: “If I shut my eyes and wish hard enough, perhaps I can forget that I’ll be changing diapers during intermission.” When I shared this observation with my friend Margaret, a seasoned mother in her sixties, she responded with a bemused, “Oh dear. Just what we need—more togetherness.”
I fully support parents taking a break and creating an aura of mystery and excitement about concert experiences for their children. This could serve as a milestone, akin to obtaining a driver’s license or enjoying a legal drink; a way to say, “You’re not ready yet, but if you eat your veggies and ace your spelling test, one day you will be.”
There is value in a more laid-back approach to music appreciation, where parents simply play their favorite songs at home, allowing children to absorb the music naturally. I often hear musicians credit their parents’ musical preferences as pivotal in shaping their own styles. Good music, much like nutritious food, should be accessible, leaving the choice to engage ultimately in the hands of the child.
However, one must be cautious about imposing one’s musical tastes too rigidly onto children. If a child feels pressured to enjoy certain artists, they may rebel against those very choices during their teenage years. A child exposed solely to classic rock staples like Tom Petty or influential hip-hop from the likes of Erik B. and Rakim might find themselves gravitating toward more mainstream pop, such as Ke$ha, during their quest for independence.
When my eldest daughter, Sophie, was in fifth grade, a Crowded House concert at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco caught her attention. I agreed to take her, partly because I had overheard her humming songs from their album “Together Alone” while studying, and partly so she could have an interesting answer for the inevitable question, “What was your first concert?”
On an unexpectedly warm spring evening, we ventured across the Bay Bridge to join the line for the general admission show. Sophie, barely 4’ 10” at the time, expressed concern about being overwhelmed by enthusiastic fans. Having attended many Crowded House concerts, I reassured her that the crowd would be predominantly composed of older fans who were more inclined to wear comfortable footwear and advocate for environmental causes. This was confirmed as we arrived and were greeted with smiles and friendly interactions from fellow concert-goers.
During the concert, several memorable moments unfolded:
- As we waited for the opening act, we chatted with nearby attendees, including a couple of fifth-grade teachers who invited Sophie to join them at the front for a better view. Shortly after she moved to the front row, a security guard approached me, inquiring if she would like a seat. He then provided a padded chair positioned just in front of the stage. When Crowded House took the stage, Sophie slipped in her bright purple earplugs and settled into her cozy spot.
- Midway through the concert, as the energy in the venue surged, the same security guard reached onto the stage to retrieve a water bottle from guitarist Mark Hart’s setup, handing it to Sophie. Mark, while performing a complex riff on “Locked Out,” acknowledged her with a wink, which made her night even more special.
- As the concert neared its conclusion, our friendly security guard urged us to stay put and disappeared into the crowd, only to return bearing a rolled-up concert poster for Sophie. “We’re not meant to give these out!” he called over the din.
- As we finally made our exit, reluctantly departing between encores (it was a school night!), a gentleman sporting a laminated pass stopped us and handed Sophie a backstage pass as a keepsake.
This experience highlights the potential pitfalls of overly zealous musical indoctrination. There’s always a chance that your dreams may manifest in your children in ways you never anticipated.
In conclusion, while family concerts can be a delightful bonding experience between parents and children, it’s essential to strike a balance between introducing children to your musical preferences and allowing them the freedom to develop their own tastes. For those interested in exploring more about home insemination methods, consider checking out this article on artificial insemination kits, as well as intracervical insemination syringe kits. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit Healthline’s resource on IVF.
Summary:
This article explores the trend of parents taking their children to concerts, emphasizing the balance between sharing musical tastes and allowing children to form their own preferences. Concert experiences can create lasting memories while also highlighting the potential challenges of musical indoctrination.
Keyphrase: Family concert experiences
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