How to Prepare for Taking your Children to Their First Concert

Most parents would prefer leaving their children with a trusted friend or family member instead of bringing them to a concert, but other parents don't want to do this. It might be because you don't have that option, or you want to involve your children in your interests. Preparing your children for their first concert might be a little difficult if your children don't like the music, but there are a number of things that you can do to make this a good time for everyone.

Know the Show

The first thing you should do is understand the show. Most concerts will be fine for children, but there are shows that involve violence, nudity and a lot of profanity. If you have never seen this band live, then you should watch a few videos online to see how the live shows are. Chances are that the show will be fine, but you should do your research before buying the tickets.

If the show is bad, then you can still go without exposing your children to what's happening on the stage. See if the concert offers outside seating so that you can hear the band. This isn't quite as exciting as actually seeing the band, but it's better than nothing.

Play the Music

One of the main reasons why children hate going to concerts is because they don't know what to expect. Most children are used to simple pop songs and kid's music. They are usually not prepared for loud and complicated music that they may not understand. You should always get your kids acquainted with the music before bringing them. This will make it much easier on them, and they might actually enjoy the concert when they get there.

You don't need to force the music on your children. Just try playing it during dinner or a family game night. You can also gauge your children's reactions to see if bringing them is really such a good idea. There is no sense in paying money if your children will throw a fit.

Have a Talk

Part of being a parent is forcing children to do things that they may not like, but you should make their first concert something fun and memorable. Talk to your children to tell them why you personally want to go, and why you want to bring your children. Don't make this into a punishment. Tell your children that you want them to appreciate real music, and that you think they would like seeing your favorite bands playing live.

You should also address your children's concerns. If they are worried or scared, then tell them that you will be there to keep them calm. This will really get them ready for the concert.

Bring Cookies

Children start fidgeting if they sit too long. It doesn't matter if they hate the concert or enjoy it. Your child is going to start moving around for one reason or another. Bringing cookies and other sweets will give your children a reason to sit still, and it will also keep them from getting hungry.

If your children like the music, then you will probably just need a few cookies. If your children aren't that excited about the concert, then be sure to bring some extra sweets to keep them happy.

Sit in the Back

You should always try sitting in the back. These seats obviously aren't the best, but there are a few benefits that you will enjoy. Children have sensitive ears, and loud music might make them scream. Sitting in the back exposes them to less noise. You should also bring earplugs to help soften the noise even more.

This also helps if you need to make a hasty retreat for any reason. Leaving a concert can be difficult if you are sitting near the front. Children are unpredictable, and you never know what is going to happen. Your children might start having a tantrum, or they might have an accident. Sitting near the back makes it much easier to leave.

Conclusion

Getting your children ready for their first concert can take a good amount of time, but it's well spent. If your children are prepared, then everyone should be happy when the band starts playing. Don't make this a punishment for them. Get your children excited about going, and make it a fun family night that everyone will enjoy. 

Author Bio

Katelyn is a social media enthusiast, helping users find websites like BearShare offers free mp3 music downloads on the site