A fascinating trend in modern parenting has emerged: new parents are taking their little ones to see the bands they loved before their child-rearing days began. This family concert phenomenon is part of a broader movement where parents refuse to miss out on live music simply because they can’t find a babysitter. It’s akin to the concept of “Family Tables” in restaurants and “Baby Nights” at movie theaters. Embracing these outings requires a bit of imagination, reminiscent of the hardcore punk fans of the ’70s who thought, “If I just close my eyes and pretend hard enough, maybe I’ll forget that I have to deal with diaper duty between sets.”
When I shared this trend with my friend Angela, a spirited woman in her sixties with grown children, she exclaimed, “Oh dear, one more forced family bonding experience we could do without!”
I wholeheartedly support the notion that parents deserve a break. Concerts can be a rite of passage that’s both mysterious and special—a privilege to be savored. Just like obtaining a driver’s license or enjoying a legal drink, it can be a milestone you point to, saying, “You’re not quite there yet, but if you finish your veggies and study hard, someday you will be.”
There’s merit in the ambient style of music appreciation, where parents play their favorite tunes at home and allow kids to absorb them naturally. I’ve lost count of how many musicians attribute their love for music to their parents’ playlists, often citing how Johnny Cash was a staple in their childhood. Good music is like good nutrition; it should be available, but ultimately it’s up to the child to engage with it.
However, I worry that if parents impose their musical tastes too rigidly, it could backfire. In the inevitable teenage rebellion, if a child is raised on the classics of Tom Petty or the Ramones, they might just rebel by diving headfirst into the bubblegum pop of today.
When my daughter Mia reached fifth grade, she expressed interest in attending a Crowded House concert at the historic Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. I agreed, partly because I had caught her humming songs from their album “Together Alone” during homework sessions. Plus, let’s be honest—I thought having her by my side might earn me a nod from the band. After all, when your idea of concert swag has shifted from lace underwear to bulk packs from Costco, you have to get creative.
On a surprisingly warm spring evening, we ventured across the Bay Bridge from Oakland to join the line for general admission. Mia, still a bit short at 4’10”, was anxious about the crowd. But having seen Crowded House perform many times, I reassured her: “Don’t worry! The average fan is around 49, and they’re all wearing clogs and supporting Greenpeace.”
As we waited, we chatted with fellow concertgoers, including a couple of fifth-grade teachers who excitedly recognized Mia and invited her to join them at the front for a better view. Soon after she took their offer, a security guard approached and asked, “Would she like to sit down during the show?” He then brought over a padded chair and set it up in the front row, three feet from the stage.
As the lights dimmed and Crowded House took the stage, Mia slipped in her bright purple earplugs and settled into her cozy seat. Halfway through, in the midst of a challenging riff, Mark Hart, the guitarist, handed Mia a water bottle and shot her a wink.
As the evening drew to a close, our friendly security guard, eager to help, dashed off and returned with a rolled concert poster for Mia. “We’re not supposed to give these out!” he exclaimed over the music. As we made our exit—sneaking out between encores at 11:30 PM on a school night—a kind gentleman with a laminated pass handed Mia a backstage pass, declaring, “A keepsake for you!”
The risk of closely tying your musical tastes to your child is that one day, their dreams may outshine your own.
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In summary, the trend of taking children to concerts is a delightful blend of nostalgia and family bonding. It celebrates the idea that music can be a shared experience and a gateway to creating cherished memories while navigating the challenges of parenthood.
Keyphrase: family concerts
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