Instilling a love of music in your kids can boost their creativity and help regulate their emotions, as well as help you connect with them over bands you both love. And with summer concert season in full swing, you may be ready to bond with them by taking them to their first concert. But if you’ve ever been to a show alone, you know how crazy the lines and crowds can be, so there are some things to keep in mind if you’re bringing your kid along.
Beyond the obvious ways to protect your child, like giving them earplugs and having a plan in case you get separated, these will help you, your kid, and those around you enjoy the live music experience.
- Skip the opener - Chances are, they won’t know who the opening act is anyway, so arriving just before the headliner takes the stage will give you more time for a nap, dinner and another bathroom break before the show.
- Let them know what to expect from the crowd - People are weird and do crazy things, especially when you add music, alcohol and possibly drugs to the mix. Warn kids about dancing, twisting and screaming, which can be frightening to a little one.
- Pick the right seat - No matter how many times you get them to go before the first song, there’s a big chance your kid will need to go to the bathroom again during the show. Having an aisle seat will help ease the frustration of the rush to the restroom, which hopefully doesn’t happen during your favorite song.
- Consider people behind you - Sure, putting your kid on your shoulders will help them see better, but blocking the view of those behind you is never cool.
- Don’t worry too much about them getting a contact high - If you’re in an outdoor venue, the chances of them catching a contact buzz are low. But if you’re seeing a show in an arena, you may want to leave the kiddo at home, just to be safe.
- Don’t forget a snack - Your child will most likely be hungry and tired after the show, so leaving a healthy snack in the car for them is a great idea.
Source: Lifehacker
Photo: Getty Images