If your kids are into music, there’s going to come a time when they want to attend a live concert, usually when they reach their teens. If you can remember back to the days when you attended your first concert, you’ll appreciate what a big deal it can be. Things are a little bit different from a decade or so ago, however, and you need to take certain precautions and make plans.
Help Them Buy Their Tickets
There are many sites to buy tickets from, but not all ticket sellers are the same. Some will hit you with secret fees at the end of the transaction, whereas others may not have a large selection of artists to choose from. Show your children how to remain safe online, and show them websites such as Ticket Sales, which have cheap tickets for popular upcoming concerts.
Go with Them
Music concerts tend to be held in large cities which means your teens need to be supervised. This might not feel like the coolest thing to happen, at least not in the eyes of your teen, however, your presence will be of benefit. That doesn’t mean you need to be on their shoulder the whole of the time, but you should be in the vicinity. Book seats a few rows back from your teen so they can have fun with their mates, without having to worry about you listening in on their conversations.
There will come a time when you consider them old enough to attend alone but encourage them to go with friends so they can look out for each other.
Have an Emergency Plan
What are you going to do if you get separated from your teen? It pays to have a plan for such an emergency. Hopefully, it won’t be needed. Before the band starts playing take a look around and agree on a place to meet should the worse happen.
There are other emergencies that could happen such as a power outage, injury or some other situations that would force the cancellation of the concert. Make sure you all know where the emergency exits are.
Bring Only the Essentials
Your teens are probably going to have their own cellphones but make sure they know the key phone numbers in case they lose their phones, or the battery runs out. Before you leave for the concert make sure everyone’s cell phone is fully charged. Bring cash with you as well as sunblock and tissue paper. Ear plugs might also be advisable because one of the biggest risks for young children is hearing damage. It’s better if you only take the essentials as you’ll have fewer things to carry.
Dress Correctly
There’s possibly nothing more embarrassing for a teen than a parent that doesn’t know how to dress. Wear something you feel comfortable in but don’t attempt to dress like your teenager. It’s far better to be a cool concert-going parent that is happy with their own style.
Attending music concerts is an important part of growing up. It helps them develop a sense of personal and communal identity and is part of learning how to be apart from their parents as well as navigate the stormy waters of life. It’s important you help to make their concert experiences positive ones.
