June 3, 2009 9:43 AM
Let your kids be your DJ
I have never really minded driving my kids around. Who would complain about any opportunity to be so up-close-and-personal with your child? I learned long ago that it's best, in spite of my appetite for news, to turn off the politics and turn on music. And while I don't always live up to my ideals in this area, I treasure the conversations we've had when I've put my kids first, conversation-wise.
And definitely find the classical station on your radio dial - it's a great way to give your kids exposure - and you too, if it hasn't always been your first choice.
A real boost for this together-time has been my kids' acquisition of MP3 players - we prefer Zune
Last night we had a long drive to Reston, where she is preparing with several choirs for a special memorial for Father Kelly, so back and forth we spent a good two hours in the car. In this kind of situation, I give complete control of the music program to my daughter.
She plugged in her MP3 and I was treated to:
Why Do Fools Fall in Love?
Ella Fitzgerald
Mirah
Once (very good movie)
Doris Day
The Beatles: Nowhere Man and several others
Andrew Sisters
Everly Brothers
Coldplay
Avett Brothers
Little Mermaid (Broadway version)
Puccini's Madam Butterfly - the first opera I ever took her to - in 1992. For a hilarious recounting of her reaction way back when, read Life Lessons from My Kids #1 (1/27/05)
Some bluegrass, since she's singing that now too
Even though she has a tendency to cut the songs off before they're completely through, I love giving up control this way - kind of like being taken on a magic carpet ride through the world of music.
Lessons for moms:
1) Expose your children to a wide range of music - In retrospect, I wondering if that's why none of my kids really listened to anything objectionable. Maybe giving them a broad perspective and exposure to good stuff made the rap and hip hop unappealing. We never had to say no because their musical plates were full already.
2) Give up control whenever you possibly can.
Posted in Family, Mothering, Music, My life | Permalink
Comments
What?? Give up control?? (starts hyperventilating)
OOOOOKKKK. (long pause). I'll try. (LOL)
Barbara, your link to the special plug doesn't work. I'm interested in it for the car. Thanks.
Posted by: Sue from Buffalo | June 3, 2009 9:21 AM
I love Maddy's expression!! And I would not have thought exposing them to more and more types of music all the time could possibly keep them from the rap/hip hop stuff. Thanks for the tip!!
Kristy in Germany
Posted by: Kristy in Germany | June 3, 2009 9:43 AM
