In my youth, I vividly recall one particular day when I was merely 10 years old. I eagerly entered my aunt’s cozy kitchen in New England, only to overhear a disconcerting conversation between her and my mother. Their expressions were a mix of shock and disapproval as they sipped their coffee, their heads shaking in disbelief. I quietly listened as they lamented:
“She’s so inappropriate, prancing around on stage in that wedding dress.”
“And those lyrics! I was mortified when I heard them on the radio with the kids. It was so embarrassing.”
This was in 1984, and they were discussing none other than Madonna’s controversial performance of “Like a Virgin” at the MTV Music Awards. Madonna was, without a doubt, my favorite artist. With her bold fashion choices and daring persona, she represented everything exciting about the music of that era. As I listened to my mother and aunt criticize the music that defined my generation, I found myself perplexed by their concerns.
At that tender age, I was oblivious to the true meaning of the word “virgin.” I belted out Madonna’s hits into my hairbrush while standing in front of the mirror, completely unaware of the deeper implications of her lyrics. To her credit, my mother never restricted my access to radio or music. In a surprising twist, she even included the Beastie Boys’ Licensed to Ill cassette in my Easter basket that same year, despite her reservations about its content. She accepted the eclectic sounds coming from my teenage bedroom, no matter how jarring they might have been.
This philosophy is precisely why I choose not to censor the music my teenagers listen to today. Our home is filled with melodies. Whether we’re enjoying a family meal, tackling chores, or simply unwinding, music is integral to our lives. My partner and I appreciate various genres; while we have a soft spot for ’80s and country tunes, we also enjoy the improvisational flair of jazz and the lyrical depth of rap.
Our household often reverberates with music, some of which may not be suitable for all audiences. My children are familiar with lyrics that would certainly raise eyebrows, and they occasionally sing along to tracks that would make my mother faint if she heard my 11-year-old reciting them. They can rap along to Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” and Tone Lōc’s “Wild Thing.” They’ve witnessed me belt out Madonna’s “Papa Don’t Preach” and Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” We’ve even shared joyous moments dancing in the living room, whether I’m teaching them how to do the cabbage patch or swaying with my partner to our wedding song.
Music is woven into the very fabric of our family life, and I firmly believe that a few inappropriate words won’t corrupt my children. When they’ve had questions about song lyrics, I’ve always aimed to provide honest and straightforward answers. I won’t pretend that explaining “my anaconda don’t want none unless you’ve got buns, hun” was easy, but discomfort won’t lead me to change the station when Sir Mix-a-Lot comes on. After all, his song is a humorous reminder that fitness can be enjoyable, not just a chore.
Take, for example, the Hamilton: An American Musical soundtrack. My children have become enamored with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrical brilliance, listening to the soundtrack on their iPods nonstop. While some lyrics contain explicit content and adult themes, they have developed a profound understanding of history through this musical. Their excitement peaks when classroom lessons align with the lyrics they’ve memorized, and they burst into laughter at mentions of King George III, thanks to the engaging portrayal in the show. How can one dismiss a few bad words when it opens up a world of historical exploration?
Thus, I will not be that parent who cringes at songs like “I Kissed a Girl” by Katy Perry or “Sexy and I Know It” by LMFAO. In fact, I happily sway my hips while cooking when Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” plays, and I crank up the volume whenever a P!nk song comes on. The music my children enjoy is not more shocking than what I grew up with, and I take pride in fostering an environment where they can appreciate the cultural and diverse experiences that music offers.
Even if Sir Mix-a-Lot’s lyrics occasionally challenge me, I embrace the journey.
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In conclusion, my approach to music and parenting emphasizes openness and dialogue, allowing my children to appreciate the art while understanding its context.
Keyphrase: Parenting and Music Choices
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