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Kids and pop concerts
Arranging for your child to see a favourite band is a good idea for a variety of reasons. Music becomes central to the life of children as they enter early adolescence. According to researchers in the US, TV watching declines during the middle school years, as pre-teens spend four to six hours a day listening to music, which becomes the backdrop of their lives. While TV viewing is often done with the family, music is almost always experienced solo. Who isn't familiar with the reality of an adolescent plugged into a Walkman or holed up in his or her bedroom with the CD playing?
Parents need to become aware of the music playing in a child's life. Can you name your young adolescent's favourite pop stars? Are you familiar with the lyrics of her most listened-to CD? What do you know about the lives of pop icons Britney Spears, Eminem and So Solid Crew?
A child's musical preference can be a window into the soul. A 12-year-old who plasters her walls with pin-ups of Lee and Duncan from Blue is flirting with romantic feelings like love and even lust in the privacy of her room. A 15-year-old who becomes immersed in Nirvana records and loses interest in all activities may be skirting depression.
The best way for a parent to understand what the music means to a young teen is to attend a pop concert. Summer brings many festivals and outdoor concerts, like Radio 1's Party in the Park. You can attend along with a pre-teen and her friend. Some rock acts, like Ryan Adams (the current Bob Dylan), might be an opportunity to share your musical past with your emerging teenager.
Going to a concert shows your adolescent that what's important to her is on your agenda. Margaret Sagarese is co-author of The Roller-coaster Years www.Amazon.co.uk
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