Are You Ready to Take Your Kids to a Grown-Up Concert?

Whether it’s hip hop or folk rock, sharing a passion for music with your kids can be exciting and important. But taking your family to a ‘grown-up’ concert can be daunting. How do you know they’re ready? (And how do you know you are ready?)

While some roll their eyes at the prospects of bringing kids to a live show, many Canadian music festivals are targeting the stroller set. In Toronto, this year’s Field Trip held an onsite ‘daycamp’ for little ones, while children’s music icons Sharon & Bram (we’re fans) shared last year’s line-up honours with De La Soul, Alabama Shakes and Father John Misty. Meanwhile, kids under 10 get in free at Montreal’s Osheaga to see Radiohead. (We’re jealous.)

Age ain’t nothing but a number

How old is the ideal age to take your child to his or her first ‘real’ concert? There’s no set rule, but there are lots of variables to consider.

“We’ve taken all four of the kids as babies—from one year to seven days—individually to smaller outdoor festivals in parks. For the last two years, we’ve also taken them all together to the Hillside Festival,” says Melissa Wymenga of Tillsonburg, Ont., whose daughters were named after songs. “We love live music, and our kids love it too, so why not? We want our kids to learn what they like, what’s out there other than the radio, and to really appreciate the atmosphere. They all have so much fun.”

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Common sense definitely applies to this decision. There is a big difference between bringing a preschooler to a park concert versus a huge stadium show or a tiny, packed club. Day-long outdoor festivals with kids’ areas tend to be safe spaces, provided you bring all the essentials (from sunblock and hats to ways to counteract bouts of boredom). Gigs at arenas and amphitheatres can also be manageable if you have assigned seating (and breathing room), but night shows are tough on families used to earlier bedtimes. Also, those restrooms can be crowded, which can be an even bigger concern if you can’t accompany your kid. (A good excuse to forgo the really expensive drinks at the concession stand.)

Photography by Radist © 123RF.com

Opening acts

It’s a good idea to prep your kids before the concert. For many younger listeners, familiarity is key. In other words, even if they love those three T-Swift songs, if Taylor’s only playing the new album, they may get disappointed or bored.

Having a listening party or two with the whole family can be a fun way to get your kids ready for songs they may not know (or to discuss lyrics you find problematic). YouTube live clips are also good for this. For those who aren’t spoiler-averse, the website Setlist.fm can give you an idea of what songs have been played on a tour so you can get the little ones prepared.
 
You’ll want your kids excited, but also well-rested. From line-ups to opening acts to two-hour concerts, it’s bound to be a long, exhausting, expensive event.

Safe and sounds

Some parents and some doctors have concerns about concerts when it comes to little ones’ little ears.

“We use soft ear plugs for the older kids if they want to be up close to the stage, and we have Em’s 4 Kids earmuffs for the baby—it can be a battle keeping them on, though,” says Wymenga.

There is a big difference between bringing a preschooler to a park concert versus a huge stadium show or a tiny, packed club.

Lauren Moses-Brettler is married to Damian Abraham, the front man of a celebrated hardcore band, so she knows a thing or two about ‘loud.’ After having trouble finding suitable noise-cancellation headwear for her own kids, she started selling them herself online.

“I think it’s very important for parents to bring, and for kids to wear, ear protection! Concerts get super-loud and even at festivals you can’t always count on standing far away from the stage,” she says. “I’ve found more and more people are becoming aware of them, but for many it still comes as an after-the-fact realization.”

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Aside from hearing safety, you’ll also want to think about other concerns at a show — from the possibility of unruly attendees to the crush of people filing out once the concert’s done. While it may seem like sacrilege to some, it could be a good idea to skip the encore and exit before the masses.

Speaking of which, if your kids end up having a miserable time or an outright meltdown, you’ll also have to leave. While most people are OK with kids at a show, they get understandably annoyed if your precious angel is drowning out the band with whining and complaints. This means if you’re concerned your wee ones aren’t quite ready for a concert, the $200-a-ticket show you’ve been waiting years to see might not be the best time to experiment.

It’s important to have measured expectations of your kids’ reactions, and realize they might not be ready to appreciate a concert yet even if they love your playlists at home. Besides, it may just be a matter of waiting for the next tour…