MOMania

By fk

March 21, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Since we had taken our son to several Fox 97 Oldies concerts when he was young, we thought it no big deal to go to a Buffet concert at Lakewood. You know, easy and laid back. Duh. We did not realize how young the crowd would be. Althought there were older adults there, the majority of the crowd was young, as in under 25, maybe even younger. It was a big college party. And, there we were, with an 8 year old. I shake my head and roll my eyes every time I think abou this.

That was the night we lost all credibility with him. He asked what the funny smell was as we stood under a haze of smoke, and I responded: cigarettes. His retort: Mom, those are not cigarettes! The concert was fun as were the characters in parrot garb, but the drunks were sloppy. My son took a lot in that night, and he remembers it all. He’s 16 now.

Okay, I’ve no idea who the Decemberists are, but if they are performers who appeal to young adults, I would not bring a child to the show. At indoor concerts, smoking is prohibited, but the drunks are everywhere.

By Jesse's Girl

March 21, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this

Ok…tried to post earlier, didn’t work. Once more.

This topic is so very close to my heart. Music is my life and my career..has been for nearly 20 years. So, our kids had very little choice in the matter. It has been a large part of their lives as well. Our oldest began life on the road. I think she only slept in a crib for 3 months! She was the buses and in the hotels. When you have one, its not such an issue. But when our second daughter came along, I slowed down considerably. Even touring with the tamest of christian acts can be stressful! So I only did things that really meant a lot. But when The Boy arrived…I knew the traveling had to stop. So it was studio work. He now..unfortunately..knows his way around a sound board and a set of drums. I believe music is essential to the brain! Especially for children. I love that they could care less who mommy has worked with, but raid my cd collection to listen to all my favorites. Our oldest loves Jeff Buckley, Eva Cassidy, Cheetah Girls, and Drivin’ and Cryin’. Our middle daughter adores Vivaldi and Chopin, and she can darn near play them! The Boy is currently diggin’ on Aerosmith and Bad Company…its is hillarious to hear him sing” Feel like breakin up”!

By Jesse's Girl

March 21, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this

Oh, I forgot….even though I have the career I do, I have never actually taken the kids to a concert. They have been backsatge, but never involved in the goings on. I still think they are too young, regardless of the act. When do however do a lot of theater. I think theater is one of the most wonderful ways to share music with your children.

By Tina

March 21, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this

fk is right about the fact that the concert is likely to be memorable to a child because of the audience and not necessarily the music onstage.

The first concert I went to was a Toys for Tots benefit in 1978 at the Omni. We saw the Village People and Melissa Manchester that I can recall. I was 10. I remember saving my money and buying four tickets for our family to see Simon and Garfunkel at Georgia Tech when I was in seventh grade. First concert without the parents was the Go-Gos at the Fox in the seventh grade.

I recall as a much older adult, but not yet a parent, that I was appalled to see so many very young children at Music Midtown (which I went to probably five or six times). Not only was there potential for some kid squishing in the tight crowds, but the all-out wildness of the adults was offputting to me.

I guess if your kids are already regularly exposed to drunks who smoke and use drugs, going to a concert isn’t going to do much further harm. But, if your life at home is a little more sedate, perhaps putting off the concert experience until they’re old enough to understand a pre-concert discussion about what they’re going to see around them might be prudent.

By kate

March 21, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this

I have tickets to the Decemberists too! I can’t wait. And then Patti Griffin the following week at the Tabernacle.

I would take my kids—16, 14, 11—if they wanted to go. I wouldn’t expect an overly rowdy, raunchy crowd at either of the shows.

Have fun!

By Georgia

March 21, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

I know a married couple with two kids, and they take those kids everywhere with them. Concerts, football games, etc. The kids are 1 and 5. I think it’s very selfish, not to mention stupid, to bring a baby to a concert. Now, I took my daughter to see The Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync when they were popular. But those bands were for the kiddies. Hanna Montana, Yes. but The Who, no.
And as a single parent, I want to go to concerts with my adult friends, not my kids.

By modestd

March 21, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

I am going to see the decemberists as well! I will be the one yelling for “The Mariner’s Revenge Song”! I have seen them twice before, much smaller crowd the first time at the Tabernacle. But yeah I think it is a little insane to take a kid under the age of say 15 or 16 to a concert where most people will be 21 or older. No offense but they just get in the way of things. I always have wondered why some one would bring there kids to concerts and then get mad at the “adults” for doing “adult” things at the shows. Never made sense especially Music Midtown. I cringed everytime I saw a little kid there and wondered what kind of parents would bring their kids there. Cant wait for Modest Mouse, dont take your kids there either. Issac Brock can get a little crazy.

By NoKids

March 21, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

Let me clarify the question: You want to take the kids somewhere mainly because you don’t want to get a babysitter? Think about that question for a moment. Then your answer should be a pretty plain No. This goes especially for concerts with primarily adult crowds, or bars. It’s rude to the kid, it’s rude to other adults. And by kid, I’d define that as certainly anyone under 16.

And is this a show with open-floor setup? I’m afraid for smaller women in those crowds, never mind a kid.

By lovelyliz

March 21, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

It depends more on the act than the venue. Don’t assume that because most of the music is appropriate for your child that the stage act will be too.

In any case, take ear plugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Chris Pettigrew

March 21, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

Why don’t you all forget the concerts and take your children to a good Bible preaching church. Although you are not worried about, your children might get born again they will thank you for it when it is time for them to go out and meet God. And don’t give me that hogwash about how you are saved and taking your children to concerts. You probably aren’t and if you are going to some dead church, your Pastor probably isn’t saved either. Think about your children and stop being so stinking selfish!

By scubber

March 21, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this

I saw my first concert when I was six years old. My cousins were hippies and thought it was cute to take me to a Kiss concert with them as they were supposed to be babysitting me, This was 1976 and I was five, the coolest time in history to see Kiss. Unfortunately I remember nothing of the concert, only how much trouble my cousins received.

Sadly, my follow-up and adult-chaperoned concert was Daryll Hall & John Oates when I was nine.

By the age of thirteen, I was invovled with the hardocre Cali/DC/NY punk scene and was sneaking into Atlanta to see shows at the Metroplex, 688 and The White Dot - Bad Brains, Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, Beastie Boys [when they were a Punk Band], Circle Jerks, etc., etc.

While I would never take a child to a rawkus, slam-dancing show of yesteryear or a Heavy Metal Glam show with thousands of stoned hippies, you may be safe with the likes of contemporary Daryll Hall & John Oates at any age. I have no idea who tops the sacchrine-sweet pop charts of today, but I am sure it would okay at any age.

Or, perhaps an old geezer act like U2, Rolling Stones or Neil Young/CSNY. No one moves from their sitting/standing, but absolutely no dancing, positions for the entire show. Your children may even get a little shut eye during the performance.

By Elizabeth

March 21, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this

My divorced, drug addicted father took my brother and me to concerts back in the 1970s. I don’t know what he was thinking, but I saw Peter Frampton, Fleetwood Mac, George Clinton & the P-Funk All Stars and many more acts. Everyone was high—except for us kids. It was way too loud and the stage antics were frightening. I saw my first concert at age 6. All I wanted to do was go home. My younger brother used to cry. GREAT parenting, huh? Thanks to my awful father, none of us grew up to drink or do drugs. And I HATE going to concerts to this day.

By past50mom

March 21, 2007 9:36 AM | Link to this

Look at the Chastain Park concerts this summer and take them on a nice summer eve with a picnic dinner, and you will all have a great time! don’t choose a heavy rockin group for your first concert.

By Jesse's Girl

March 21, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this

Calm yourself Chris….don’t forget that Jesus had a habit of hanging with the lowest of the lows. People can go to concerts and such without compromising their faith. Your blistering words is reason #1 why the unchurched tend to stay that way.

By past50mom

March 21, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

Chris Pettigrew, guess what? God created music! Rock On!

By TT

March 21, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

I don’t think kids belong at a concert unless it’s Sesame Street, the Wiggles, Hannah Montana, or something in their age range. There are too many things going on at a concert that kids just don’t need to see, smell, or hear. I cringe to think of things that I did at concerts 20 years ago, when I was seeing Nazareth, Ted Nugent, the Stones, Sammy Hagar, etc. Back then, smoking at concerts was allowed, so you can imagine what it was like when you couldn’t see across the Omni for the smoke. Not to mention what happens in the restrooms, or while waiting to get into the restroom. I saw many kids who “went out” (passed out) before the lights did. I think kids should go to big concerts when they’re old enough to get themselves there and back, like I did when I was about 18 or 19. It’s just not a kid-friendly environment. And I agree that taking kids to events like rock concerts could be considered selfish, because kids don’t need exposure to adult behavior. You wouldn’t take kids to a spring break beach activity, I hope? Some concerts aren’t too much different.

By Robin

March 21, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

I have attended a number of concerts over the years, and would not take children to an ‘adult’ concert.

I would take kids to see the backstreet boys, other bubble gum type acts, and most country acts.

Other than those type of acts, I wouldn’t take a kid until they were at least 14. There is just way too much drinking, drug use, and inappropriate behavior going on for kids to understand.

Heck, I can’t even go to a concert without getting hit on by a drunk lesbian! What is the deal???!

And, don’t get all riled up. I don’t care what anyone’s sexual preference is, and am not homophobic. I would feel the same way if some drunk guy hit on me at every concert I attend!

Young kids just aren’t going to understand all of that,………..and it would probably scare them.

By abc

March 21, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

I would suggest you expose your children to music that is art, not a bunch of mindless, nursery rhyme-like pop and rock. Atlanta has one of the top 10 symphonies in the world. Learn to appreciate that which is art, and impart that to your kids.

I’m a musician. Studies show that musical study benefits other areas of study, such as math. Expose your children to music not just as audience, but as participant. Make sure they’re in the school band and choir. It’s important!

By a reader

March 21, 2007 9:46 AM | Link to this

When I was 11 in the early ’70s, I begged my dad to take my friend & me to a Three Dog Night concert. T. Rex was the opening act. He threw his guitar on the floor and whipped it! It was so loud, my friend & I went to the bathroom and put toilet paper in our ears! My poor dad stoically tolerated that concert. Needless to say, none of us enjoyed it. The blogger is in a different situation than my dad, of course, but I think from experience that 11 and under is definitely way too young to attend a concert. And, like the other posters said, you have to think of the rowdy concertgoers.

By Keith

March 21, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Hi NoKids—

No, I have a babysitter lined up. My daughter is actually a fan of the Decemberists herself, and asked if she could go with us. I am uncomfortable with the notion of a nine-year-old in such a grown-up setting, which is why we haven’t gotten a ticket for her.

But her question got me thinking…at what age is it appropriate to take your child to a concert?

I’m not talking about taking babies and toddlers along to a concert that you want to see. I’m talking about taking older children to an event that THEY want to see. These would be kids that are beyond the age of acting up and ruining the event for the adults.

I’m not worried about my daughter’s behavior at such an event. I’m more worried about the crowd’s behavior. Though as Kate rightly pointed out, the crowd at the Tabernacle last time wasn’t out of hand.

And Modestd — I’ll be yelling with you for the Mariner’s Revenge. Maybe they’ll bring the big whale prop!

By singlemom

March 21, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

NoKids—you must not have read all the way through….she said her oldest wanted to go. It’s not JUST to avoid the babysitter’s fee.

I personally love concerts and plan on taking my daughter to them when she’s older. At almost 1 year old, she already “dances” to a lot of the stuff I listen to, so I think she’s going to be as music crazy as I was. As others have said, it would depend on the act, the venue, the time and her maturity level, but I’m thinking 12 or 13 is a good age to go. (of course like most long term parenting decisions I’ll be reevaluating that decision as she grows and the times change.)

By bellamomma

March 21, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

take her!!! my dad took my to concerts and other local live shows from the time I was 7 I think, maybe earlier. It was an awesome experince and a great way to grow up. My dad is a local up and coming musician and this was a great way for him to share his passion with me.But I agree that you need to be picky about the band and the venue. I think Lyle Lovet and Francine Reed was my first at Chastain. Now, with kids of my own, there is nothing I love more than my own kids singing. We have taken my three year old one concert (with appropriate ear protection) and she loved it.

Chris, it was a chirstian concert at that. We are taking her to see AudioA and mercy me next month. Worried about her soul? Jerk! I think you may want to ask yourself WWJD buddy.

on a side note……. Go Dawgs! Been going to home games since I was 6 weeks old. My parents are die hards.

By Going To Country Fair

March 21, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

I was debating the very same isue myself. My husband and I were thinking about taking my 8 year daughter to Country Fair, thinking country music concert would be a little more tame.

By Jesse's Girl

March 21, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Your family sounds like mine bellamomma! We’ve even had a wedding and reception planned around a home game! The rehearsal dinner was a tailgating party….we had the actual rehearsal afterwards!

By Keith

March 21, 2007 10:01 AM | Link to this

Good point ABC. I agree that kids should be active participants in music. Our children seem to like all kinds of music, including classical, jazz and even bagpipe bands. We are looking at formal lessons for the two oldest, but already they are picking up piano on their own. I’m sure when band is an option in school, they will try it out.

By Jo

March 21, 2007 10:03 AM | Link to this

I’m a rock musician myself & so I know what goes on at a lot of these shows. Some of it even makes ME shudder. If the child is old enought to enjoy music, I say fine but as long as there are no adult activites (smoking, drinking, drugs, PDA) & as long as the music isn’t objectionable. Someone suggested exposing one’s children to classical, which I find a great idea! Another fun thing to do is take your kids to Renaissance Fairs, where they’ll see quality, wholesome acts like The Lost Boys & Three Quarter Ale. Hey, Chris, like the song says, God gave rock & roll to ya! And what if the family in question is Jewish? Buddhist? Hindu?

By Jesse's Girl

March 21, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

Going to….don’t bet on it. Typically, if you pay for the really good seats, the people aren’t too rowdy. But the cheap seats tend to be. I toured with country and christian acts in a past life…. and it can always go down hill. Excerise extreme caution.

By NoKids

March 21, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this

God bless the babysitter.

But your kid doesn’t necessarily have to “act up” to interfere with the adults. As I pointed out, if it’s a crowded venue, your kid could be physically in the way. I don’t want to worry about jostling some kid to the ground while in the normal standing room/ post-concert movement.

I’m not familiar with the Decemberists, but from their website, their lyrics cover subjects such as murder and rape. As a parent, you’re the judge of whether your kid can handle the subject as presented by the artist. But what if this song triggers a discussion about rape with my friends? I can imagine how such a discussion would be appropriate with adults at the next table, but not with a nine-year old. I’m concerned, as a responsible adult, as to doing things that may not be appropriate around kids. And as an adult, I don’t always appreciate having kids in places where I should be able to talk about adult subjects or do adult things without worrying about kids. After all, wouldn’t you be upset if I brought a crowd into Chuck E. Cheese and began that same discussion on rape?

By NB

March 21, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

My mom and grandmother took me with them when they went to see Barbara Mandrell in concert (the last one before the famous accident she had) and I got to stand up on stage and she spoke to me. I was WAY to young to remember and my mom & grandmother always talk about it - so that is the only way I know that it happened. I was under 4 yrs old. The next concert I went to was with my parents - Hall & Oats (boy, I am feeling old) and I was around 5-6. All I remember was that I lost the parrot that went to my toy at the venue. I was destroyed…that was all I remember of it. Around the same time my mom took me to see Whitney Houston - again - no memory. But she always kept in the W-A-Y back, so that I would not to bother everyone.

By CJ

March 21, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

I think you came across a bit harsh Chris. Although I do agree that Christian parents should not be taking their kids to a rock concert. Too much reference to drugs, alchohol, violence, etc. Pretty much everything Christians try not to live by. But, hey, if you are not a Christian, or if you are not too worried about what kind of influence this may have on your children, then more power too you!

p.s there are plenty of other events and even concerts that would be good to take your kids to.

28 yr old mom of 3.

By Maria

March 21, 2007 10:21 AM | Link to this

Decemberists! They’re my favorite, too. I always go see them when they’re in town. I’ll be the tiny blonde lady screaming out for “The Island” and “July, July!”

Speaking of being tiny… that’s what worries me most about kids going to concerts. I was 14 when I started going to general admission shows. I’ve always been tiny (not much over 5’0”), and the first time I stood in a crowd of people from first opening band to second opening band to hard-rock headliner… well, that was a little overwhelming. And claustrophobia-inducing. It’s hard to stand there for hours while walls of people a head taller than you surround you on all four sides. My best friend’s very tall dad accompanied us to the first few shows we went to, and I’m so glad we did. It was good to have a six-foot ally with us in the crowd. I’d hate to think of middle-school age or younger kids being caught in the crush of a “general admission” rock show.

That being said, whenever we have kids, my husband and I will gladly introduce them to the Decemberists. So many of their songs are great history lessons!

By scubber

March 21, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

I recall going to see Iggy Pop at Center Stage and there was the standard slam pitat front and center. I was really impressed with the older punkers, probably in their late fifties/early sixties, reminding the boys to help the girls out of the fracas when they were getting swallowed up in the thrashing fold. They were also telling boys to keep their elbows in to prevent any accidental injuries on other dancers.

This may sound absurd, but I was struck by their wisodom and candor. It is rare that a group of fans age demographic spans such a large range of years, but it was really cool to hear them teaching the younger generation of kids how to keep it safe and have fun.

That is wisdom i take with me and give to younger kids at shows who do not understand the consequences of their actions. I was at a Black Flag show in the mid-80s in at a small ampitheatre in Gainseville, Florida where kids had torn down a barrier fence and gained acces to the roof of the covering f the foremost seat, much like Lakewood Ampitheatre but a smaller venue, kids were jumping of the fifteen to twenty foot drop doing stage dives on the kids below. Obviously, it was moments before the show came crashing to a halt and ambulances were on the way. Before security could finally stop the divers it looked like lemming falling of a cliff as tens of punkers were jumping at a time.

Rock shows are fun and should always have an element of the uncontrolled, however there are lessons to be taught to kids that can help them avoid trouble - like how to stand in a tight crowd so you will not lose your feet beneath you, How to pick a polace to meet should you get separated from your party, etc.

However, as one writer pointed out there is a wealth of music available to introduce youngsters to music at a quieter, easy to absorb tempo and volume. Music festivals are nice because the child can be restless and make noise - say the summer series at Piedmont Park by the ASO, Jazz Festival, etc.

Teach the kids the ropes early building up to self reliance for the rougher, louder shows when they are older.

By Georgia

March 21, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

CJ Christian parents should not be taking their kids to a rock concert. Too much reference to drugs, alchohol, violence, etc. Pretty much everything Christians try not to live by.

Does this mean you don’t allow “Rock” music in your home?

By WAUP

March 21, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Chris Pettigrew, “fire and brimstone” people like you are more damaging to children than is the average rock concert.

You’d better hurry up and put all your rattlesnakes back in their bag.

By deidreNC

March 21, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

my first concert was when i was 12-a birthday present-my dad took me and 4 of my friends to see —-are you ready??? HERMAN’S HERMITS at the fox…geeze does that tell my age or what lol—i love concerts-i wanted to take my daughter (12 yo at the time) to see Blondie at a venue in asheville, nc but no one under 18 was allowed due to the fact that beer and wine was sold there…it was a great concert and i was surprised at how many 18 yos were there….go blondie!!

i agree with most above posters-its all about the age of the child and who is playing and where it is…ive seen some pretty rowdy concerts-also some that i wouldnt have thought would be rowdy and ended up that way…so its such a judgement call and then still you never know…outdoor concerts seem to be best for younger kids…teens love any of it (usually)..just be ready to tell them the facts of life where drugs and alcohol are concerned if they dont already know them…ive rarely been to a concert where at the very elast pot wasnt prevalent…well i dont think there was any at that Hermans Hermists concert lol…but who knows lol

ps-i am a strong christian-and i dont think going to a concert or listening to music is wrong…you cant make a judgement like that…some parts of anything are wrong…even being a judgemental ‘christian’ is wrong..imagine that…

By deidreNC

March 21, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

my first concert was when i was 12-a birthday present-my dad took me and 4 of my friends to see —-are you ready??? HERMAN’S HERMITS at the fox…geeze does that tell my age or what lol—i love concerts-i wanted to take my daughter (12 yo at the time) to see Blondie at a venue in asheville, nc but no one under 18 was allowed due to the fact that beer and wine was sold there…it was a great concert and i was surprised at how many 18 yos were there….go blondie!!

i agree with most above posters-its all about the age of the child and who is playing and where it is…ive seen some pretty rowdy concerts-also some that i wouldnt have thought would be rowdy and ended up that way…so its such a judgement call and then still you never know…outdoor concerts seem to be best for younger kids…teens love any of it (usually)..just be ready to tell them the facts of life where drugs and alcohol are concerned if they dont already know them…ive rarely been to a concert where at the very elast pot wasnt prevalent…well i dont think there was any at that Hermans Hermists concert lol…but who knows lol

ps-i am a strong christian-and i dont think going to a concert or listening to music is wrong…you cant make a judgement like that…some parts of anything are wrong…even being a judgemental ‘christian’ is wrong..imagine that…

By Mom

March 21, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

I took my teens to a concert with several bands. While the music was great I was very offended the constant use of the F word and others between songs. As the paying parent I was also insulted by the lack of repect for authority in their dialog. I don’t mind spending the money to buy the songs but to subject myself to the disrespect after paying for four tickets is too much. Won’t do that again. Is there a place to rate bands? The words in the music is no tell-tale sign of the attitude of the band members.

By Jesse's Girl

March 21, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this

If your kids want a balls-to-the-wall concert…but you want it to be respectful and moral….you have to check out this christian band I recently worked with. Seventh Day Slumber. They have a MyPsace(doesn’t everyone:()They give a heavy letal type experience with a personal story that you won’t soon forget. Also check out Ruth. Teenagers really seem to like them.

By CJ

March 21, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this

Georgia,

We are VERY careful about what is played in our home. I actually sing Christian music and love love love music in particular. We do listen to some secular music, but we are very careful about it. For example although I love hip hop and R&B, it has become so polluted that we rarely listen to it anymore.I will on occasion listen to Michael Jackson (love him!) or r&b oldies like Luther. I also listen to Christian rap like The Gritz, T Bone, etc. It’s a great alternative. But like I said, this shouldn’t pertain to everyone ‘cause not everyone is Christian. This is just what goes on in my home. It’s really sad because although I love the “beats” of alot of music today, if you really listen to the lyrics, it’s pure garbage. That’s why I am so picky.

By DYJ

March 21, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

I was pregnant when I saw Bauhaus just over a year ago. I was only 2 months along and wasn’t visibly preggo. I went to see Scissor Sisters last October at the Tab. I left my 3 month old home with her Daddy. While I was standing in the merch line I turned around to see a mother carrying her infant in a Baby Bjorn. The look on my face was sheer horror. I asked how old and was shocked to hear “4 months” before the girl trotted off into the standing (smoking!!) area of the Tab. I wanted to call DFCS. I think double digits ( 10+) before kids should go to a concert and I’m inclined to say a teenager and above.

By Georgia

March 21, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

CJ Thank you for answering honestly and not attacking me for my question.
I agree, today’s music is pure garbage. I’m a classic rock girl myself, Van Halen, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc. I just can’t stand to hear the music they play on Star 94, V103, 95.5 The Beat. The majority of it is crap, bashes women, horrible words, but there are one or two songs that I don’t mind. Think Beyonce…. I think the Record Labels will let just about anyone release a record. And that’s a shame. The music we had back in the 60’s and 70’s, and some early 80’s was the best, with the exception of heavy metal. I never did care for that genre.

By j

March 21, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

A concert is no place for a child unless the concert is at Disney or Cartoon Network or some place for children.
Though I’m not “anti-kid”, I am “anti-kids-running-screaming-parents-not-caring-at-places-that-I’ve-paid-a-lot-of-money-to-eat-at-or-see-an-event”.

If I want to dine at a nice place, I should be able to do so without children just walking from table to table or screaming. I’ve had children at FINE FINE establishments actually take food from my table and crawl under my table. What did the parents do? Nothing. Nothing except say and not yell the childs trendy name over and over again never getting up to do anyting. I’m paying for an experience and your child isn’t what I paid for.

As for exposing children to drugs and alcohol, I’d recomend not taking them anywhere. I have less problems at concerts with drugs/alcohol than I do with people not moving when you say “excuse me” or people just staring at me or others trying to start a fight. I’m amazed at the people that seem to think that there’s plenty of space for them between me and the stage that I’m leaning on. I’ve had a young lady stand IN FRONT OF ME at my seat during a show at Phillips. I had security remove her as she wouldn’t move. Her hair was in my mouth!! She was closer than my wife. She had made her way from the nose-bleeds to the 6th row. She then called me a name as she was being remove? I’m the bad guy? Brats. All of them.

Remember, it’s not the drugs or alcohol, it’s people you need to watch out for. So check yourself and think of others. I think the rubber band is stretched way too tight and somethings got to give in society. Be careful out there.

By Casey

March 21, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

You guys are talking like the Decemberists are a wholesome group! Go to their website: Decemberists. First you’ll see a drawing of two topless mermaids (nipples and all), then roll your mouse over the heading “A/V Room” and you’ll see a drawing of a naked woman dancing.

According to the Biography section, the song “The Shankhill Butchers” is about bleak urban murderers on the prowl. It also says “…death, war, greed, and murder enshroud the album’s thematic framework…” Yeah, sounds like family listening time to me.

Finally, the Biography also states “The album’s unquestionable centerpiece is the 13-minute murder ballad “The Island,” with its subsections “Come and See,” “The Landlord’s Daughter,” and “You’ll Not Feel the Drowning.” As the lyrics chronicle a tale of abduction, rape, and murder…” Yeah, abduction, rape and murder is just what I want my young child entertained with. After the show, will you drop her off in the projects alone so she can experience those things first hand?

And you call yourselves good parents?

By Mike

March 21, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

jessesgirl, check out “the lesser casualty” on myspace. 16 year olds, christian and straight rock, but definetly worth a listen.

By Sheri

March 21, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

My husband and I took our 9 year old son to Toby Keith last summer (he was 8 then) for his very first concert!! It was loud for him, so he sat under the t-shirt we bought between us standing up, but you could see him tapping his toes and feet!!! When it was over, he said, that was really cool!!! Made us laugh, it’ll be awhile before he goes again, I too enjoy to do concerts with adult friends!!! Now, he has grown up hearing his uncle play with a local band, and even had his own drum set, which he grew out of. The local band gigs just were not as LOUD as the real guys at the BIG venues!!! Either way - we are glad that was his first REAL concert!!!

By The Fonz

March 21, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

When my boys were toddlers, they found some VCR tapes I had of The Grateful Dead in concert. They used to spend hours watching them. They would and set up improvised microphone stands, grab their plastic toy guitars, pop in a video, and “play” along. When they got a little older, I decided that I would take them to some shows. I have seen the Dead about 40 times and I have always seen people bring their kids to shows.

For those of you who have reservations about taking your kids to shows, I guess it depends on what the crowds are like. Yes there is alot of pot smoking at Dead shows, but the vast majority of that crowd is very discreet, and I noticed that those who do partake are mindful of not letting the kids see it.

Here is a list of shows I have taken my boys to:

Santana/Macy Gray; Ratdog; Phil Lesh & Friends; The Other Ones; The Dead; Kiss/Poison (Front Row & Backstage); John Prine; Cheap Trick.

The best part of the KISS/Poison show was backstage when CC Deville from Poison was hanging out with my boys. Say what you will about CC, but he is great with kids, and seemed to enjoy talking music with them. Oh yeah, the show was also My son’s 11th birthday and they had no idea we were going that night. They thought we were going to Applebee’s for dinner.

Our next show will be Roger Waters at Phillips. My younger son is a HUGE Pink Floyd fan.

By Jo

March 21, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this

Fonz, I wish I’d grown up with parents like you! I’d also met C.C. Deville & he IS very sweet

By CJ

March 21, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

j,

I agree it is the people. But drugs+alchohol+people=sheer madness. Why expose kids to this type of environment if not necessary? If parents wanna’ rock out and go to a rock/metal concert, let them. But don’t bring your kids. Just find a babysitter :)

By scubber

March 21, 2007 11:51 AM | Link to this

Casey As usual you live up to your reputation as a repugnant Faulknerian halfwit. Are is subjective and the key to developing an intelligent child is to develop that knowledge in your child.

If I smear feces on a canvas it is art and although you may not understand the artist statement and direction for the piece, you can take away from the experience that you do not understand my work. That is acceptable as you are an individual of free will and you can fit my process in or out of your own consciousness.

That said, it is best to encouraging questioning of the world and what is and what is not. It is the curse of the droll , television and non-specific news consumerist who have never learned that all is said is not as implied or even meant to be taken literally.

I find your comment on Project homes to be equally repugnant as there are people whose life exists in those places who are human and deserve respect. I might find it more frightening to see my child wander unto your property if the truth be known.

Go away. Listen to the wind chimes on your porch and try to decipher the hidden backward-masking of bad lyrics as spoken by the Canadian winds.

By wow

March 21, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

After reading some of these comments, I can only guess that many of you are much better parents than God is. Or are you all teaching your kids to be judgemental too? Oh wait, never mind—I just heard from God. He says that it’s not his fault—no matter how hard he tries, he just can’t do anything with some of you.

(And by the way, my first concert was Ray Charles when I was 10 or so. Of course, I followed that up a couple of years later with Rick Springfield. To be a kid of the 80s with parents of the 60s. How awesome was that!)

By You know it

March 21, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

You’d be surprised some of the young kids I see at hardcore and punk rock concerts. I used to hang out at the Masquerade all the time until I saw Aiden in concert. If you’ve never heard of Aiden, it’s a sort of goth punk band..the lead singer was in prison for x amount of time and talked openly about how you can “do any fing thing you want to fing do, you mother *” and there were childen as young as 11 years old in that crowd. Well, during one of the songs, the lead singer says, “I want all you mother *s to listen up. When I get to this part of the song, I want the entire room to divide and I want a fing huge a gap between the two and when I play this part, I want you mother ***s to run as hard as you can to each other and just beat the hell out of each other.”

Parents, don’t ever take your kids to shows like that. It was sickening to see them get pumped up for something like that. When it happened, it was like a war scene: both sides running towards one another and clashing… and I actually saw a dad laugh as he joined his 13 year old son in the “fun”…

By You know it

March 21, 2007 12:07 PM | Link to this

You’d be surprised some of the young kids I see at hardcore and punk rock concerts. I used to hang out at the Masquerade all the time until I saw Aiden in concert. If you’ve never heard of Aiden, it’s a sort of goth punk band..the lead singer was in prison for x amount of time and talked openly about how you can “do any fing thing you want to fing do, you mother *” and there were childen as young as 11 years old in that crowd. Well, during one of the songs, the lead singer says, “I want all you mother *s to listen up. When I get to this part of the song, I want the entire room to divide and I want a fing huge a gap between the two and when I play this part, I want you mother ***s to run as hard as you can to each other and just beat the hell out of each other.”

Parents, don’t ever take your kids to shows like that. It was sickening to see them get pumped up for something like that. When it happened, it was like a war scene: both sides running towards one another and clashing… and I actually saw a dad laugh as he joined his 13 year old son in the “fun”…

By Jesse's Girl

March 21, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

God help me….I actually find myself agreeing with Casey! I personally would not allow my children to have a listening party to every song the Decemberists have. BUT…..I don’t let her do that with any of the music she listens to. Much of her Jeff Buckley favews have been pre-screened by Mr. Jesse and I. Buckley wasn’t known for sexually benign lyrics. I think children can enjoy all genres of music if parents are smart about it. Almost every recording artist has cut a song I would not allow my child to hear. Be pro-active…but do not limit your kid’s musical taste with an iron fist. Lest you find them in the church basement listening to Luke SkyWalker and Dana Dane like my mother did. Oh….that was not a fun day.

By fercryinoutloud

March 21, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

@ Casey:

Mermaids with NIPPLES?? NOOOO!!! How outrageous! Would you have preferred the top half of the mermaid to be a fish and the bottom half to be a woman? Oh wait—can’t have that either. We might have to see a pencil drawing of……..KNEES!!

And a drawing of a nake woman dancing? Oh geez, no one’s EVER drawn or sculpted a naked woman (or man, for that matter.) I just can’t think of any type of artwork that would include nudity. Gosh knows those old European masters NEVER did anything like that. And ancient tribes always had their fertility figures completely clothed.

And while we’re at it, since you’re so concerned about the themes/lyrics of their music, I highly suggest you keep your precious darlings away from the plays of Shakespeare, Grimm’s Fairy Tales and much of the Old Testament.

By CJ

March 21, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

Casey I COMPLETELY agree with you on that one. Poeple always say “I like the beat” but the lyrics, like you said, are filled with hateful, demeaning, derogatory and violent lyrics. This stuff gets into our spirit. Especially kids. This is satans favorite way to corupt people-through music. Sorry I went deep, but the truth needs to be known.

By michelle

March 21, 2007 12:18 PM | Link to this

i didn’t read but the first couple concerts, and i have to agree that kids will remember the happenings around them much more than the music itself. my youngest brother’s first concert was one of the fox 97 oldies shows at fulton county stadium. the only thing he remembers was a relative of ours so wasted he kept spilling beer on my brother. i believe he was 8 at the time.

i don’t let the fact i have a kid prevent me from attending concerts…she technically went to her first when she was just 9 weeks in the womb….311 to be exact. i’m not sure what is more harmful to a child at a show…the intense loudness of the music or the crowd and what they’d be exposed to.

i went to my first concert when i was 12…my mom took me. i think it all depends on the crowd who normally follows the band that’s playing. wouldn’t see too many weird things at a new kids on the block concert (my first), so that was “safe”.

i plan on taking my daughter to whatever concert we deem appropriate for her age. that’s really what it boils down to.

By Casey

March 21, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

scubber - there are those that consider porn to be art as well (since you consider feces smeared on a canvas as art, you no doubt appreciate porn as art). Does that mean you advocate having young children watching hard-core porn? Huh?

If not, then I guess you’re admitting that not all “art” should be viewed by children. EXACTLY MY POINT.

You also think I was wrong by commenting about “the projects” as being a place not to leave a child alone at night. Again, are you saying you feel comfortable dropping your child in such an area late at night by yourself? Huh? If not, then - again - that was EXACTLY MY POINT.

By Jesse's Girl

March 21, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Awesome point…..Solomon was very explicit in his description of his new bride. And equally as explicit after having been married a while when he described her a leaky faucet:) I’m out of here y’all. Take care.

By michelle

March 21, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

edit my original post…it’s supposed to read: “i didn’t read but the first couple COMMENTS”. argh!

By Casey

March 21, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

My point about the Decemberists’ web site, was if they put that stuff out on their web site where anyone can view it, what do you think their show will be like? Think the show will be G rated or more of an R rating? Do you really want to walk into an R rated concert with a small child?

By will

March 21, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Someone mentioned Chastian as a suitable venue to bring a child for their first show. What a crock! Unless you want to teach your child to turn their back to the performer and talk during the performance. Easily the worst venue in the country to see a show. The yuppies just want to be seen (and heard) at what they’re convinced is the trendy, fashionable saturday night hotspot. Dont waste your time or money.

By Teacher's Kid

March 21, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Regarding what age to take a kid to a concert, it depends. Think of the noise level first, especially if you’re considering taking a young child to a concert. My dad took me to see Donnie and Marie Osmond at the Omni back in 1976 when I was 5 and we stayed in the lobby because it was so loud (even with cotton in my ears). Second, think of the musical content and how you would explain the lyrics to your child. Prime example: my mom was in a rock & roll rhythm & blues band in the late 1970s & early 1980s that played local venues around the metro Atlanta area (mostly small community outdoor festivals and stuff like that) and my brother and I were roadies. Their sets contained mostly BB King, Blood, Sweat & Tears, and Santana. Still, she had a lot of explaining to do! Third, consider the potential for drug use and/or circulation. Example: I remember back in 1987 when U2 came to town on the Joshua Tree tour and I begged to go (at age 15!), but NO GO! The only concerts I was allowed to go to were for Sandy Patti and Amy Grant. Why? Mom knew that pot would be probably be present at a secular concert and when I went off to college then I could go to a secular concert. End of story. Bottom line: if the noise level, lyrics, and overall atmosphere are not age-appropriate and what you’d want to expose your kid to, don’t take your kid.

By S.L.

March 21, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

It really depends on the act. I almost took my 6 year old at the time to see Springsteen, but decided not to. There were other kids though. I did take her to see Kelly Clarkson though. I have tix for Gwen Stefani, but have opted out to take her (she is now 8), as I feel that some of what gwen does might not be appropriate.

We so often want to foster the interests that our children havethat are similar to ours, that I think it is sometimes hard to say “no” when we dont think it might be appropriate.

By Jo

March 21, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

Casey, I agree with you 100%! Very few of us are comfortable with the idea of young children being exposed to artists that espouse porn. Scrubber, you managed to tell us a lot about yourself. Smearing feces? Well, you ARE what medium you work with…And sorry, but most who dwell in the projects do so because they are lazy criminals who have no aspirations to better themselves. Baby-poppers, welfare moochers, drug pushers, thugs, prostitutes,pimps & child molesters DO NOT deserve my respect & will never have it. So you “think” it’s ok to take your 13-year old daughter to a concert where the songs are all explicit (no, I’m NOT anti-censorship, but if kids are involved, be a parent & know what your child is being exposed to!) & then drop her off in the ghetto late at night???

By fercryinoutloud

March 21, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Casey, the drawings I saw on their website didn’t bother me at all. I scrolled through the pictures to look at their concert shots, and saw no nudity or anything that would concern me. You truly think those drawings are rated R?

And my other point, since you’re so concerned about the subject matter of their songs, is to make sure if you’re censoring that, to censor all comparable material—much of which is targeted towards children.

By Nikita

March 21, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

Jo, I’m not a fan of the “poor people are poor because they’r emorally inferior” line of thought, not least of which because the largest cause of bankruptcy in this country is unpaid medical bills.

But on topic, I would say that age and maturity are the heart of the matter. And make sure your kids — if not you — are wearing earplugs! Their hearing is even more fragile than yours. I really feel uncomfortable seeing elementary-age kids are any show more mature than “Sesame Street Live!” But I’ve accompanied a friend and his 12 year-old to Interpol, the White Stripes, etc. — the kid’s old enough for it. Some others his age wouldn’t be.

By Laura

March 21, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Heads up, parents! Kids do not belong at concerts, bars, lectures, or fancy restaurants. Get a clue.

By tc

March 21, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this

Laura, I agree! Nice, simple & to the point without putting anyone else down.

By Erin

March 21, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

I think a great deal of whether it is appropriate depends a LOT on the act, their lyrics and the venue.

I lived in Austin, Texas for five years and I can tell you the people of Austin LOVE their live music venues. The most recent show I saw there (Carbon Leaf, which is probably my favorite band EVER) was at a venue with a restaurant and there were some families there … and it was entirely appropriate for ANY age, although the youngest I saw there was about five.

By Really Laura?

March 21, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this

Laura wrote: “Kids do not belong at concerts, bars, lectures, or fancy restaurants. Get a clue.”

Really?

No concerts: OK, no Sesame Street Live, no Barney, etc.?

No bars: What about a bar in a restaurant waiting to be seated? What about near a bar in a restaurant waiting to be seated? What about walking through a bar in a restaurant going to the bathroom?

No lectures: I agree. The only people who go to “lectures” are insufferable snobs. No one should go to lectures. Makes sending kids to school tough though.

No fancy restaurants: Define “fancy.” How about this. I’ll keep my kids out of restaurants when restaurants keep obnoxious adults out too. Personally, I would rather hear children talk about Pokemon than listen to adults talk about going to “lectures.”

I don’t which is worse — people with kids or people who don’t have kids. Let’s split the difference and say “both.”

By Really Laura?

March 21, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

“I don’t which is worse” should read “I don’t know which is worse.”

By HL

March 21, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Teacher’s Kid…

That was my mother! Except that it was Sandi Fatty as my dad called her and Steve Green. Oh, I don’t even like concerts. I have been to several free concerts in DC. But, I generally think that stuff is a waste of money. Of course, my husband used to see the Panic every New Year’s at the Fox. I thought it was awful that the Fox would allow a concert in there because everything seemed so nice. I couldn’t imagine people drinking and doing drugs in the Fox. I have been to Music Midtown once. I was completely disgusted by the Indians doing drugs with children that they obviously were not related too and the police standing right there not arresting anyone! What??? But, you cannot drive after one beer? I don’t get this state!

By 80's child

March 21, 2007 4:19 PM | Link to this

I went to my first concert at 12 with my parents—The Police at the Omni. After that I was pretty much allowed to go to any show I wanted and I saw tons of shows—from Springsteen to AC/DC to Madonna. The shows were never “out of control”-sure people were smoking pot but nobody forced me to. However, I will not allow my daughter to go to many concerts when she is a teen because of the prices. The average ticket price when I was a teen in the 80s was $13.50 so going to shows was not a big deal. I will not fork over $70-$300 for her to go see the boy band du jour.

By Jen

March 21, 2007 5:02 PM | Link to this

Really Laura sounds like just the type of considerate parent that makes people want to ban ALL children from events.

It’s too bad because the children really aren’t the problem, their parents are.

By Laura

March 21, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this

To Really Laura: Duh! I assumed concerts not specifically geared toward children. I didn’t want to waste my time specifying that since it should be obvious, but there’s always one in the crowd who has to complicate things.

I won’t even get into the other things you cited since my original point was clearly over your head anyway.

By Really Laura

March 21, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Excellent point. Everyone knows there is no counterargument to “Duh.” I submit to your obviously massive brain, your superior cunning, and biting wit.

Been to any good “lectures” lately?

By Peggy

March 21, 2007 5:40 PM | Link to this

Some venues are 18 and older, some are 21 and older, some are everybody who has a ticket. There are people, depending on what kind of music is playing, that go to have a very sloppy good time and don’t care about anybody else. At a Motorhead concert in Nottingham, England I was offered everything but only accepted the Jack Daniels from my boyfriends hip flask. There was a mosh pit and a little kid would have been amazed but quickly crushed by the crowd. If the venue allows children it’s up to the parents to decide. One of the most important things is to answer all the questions they ask, even what’s that funny smell, and to make sure they have ear plugs, and not just the foam kind but the kind musicians wear. Got to protect those ears. There’s not much you can do about their minds because people being people don’t always take into account that some things are better left to the privacy of their own homes. :/

By Really Jen

March 21, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this

Really? I sound like that kind of parent? Because I posted on this site?

What I really love is all the single people living at home with their cats and their empty lives complaining about children and posting on a blog for mothers.

By Buck

March 21, 2007 5:45 PM | Link to this

Even before we met at university, my husband and I were much more interested in the line-up at Athens’ 40 Watt Club than the Bulldogs’ line-up on the gridiron.

Um, no. Mikey was just saying saying that in order to date you.

By NoKids

March 21, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Okay, really Laura, I can’t wait to meet you and your demon spawn in public. All those “lectures” have prepared me to embarrass the rude parents in front of their children.

It’s too late for you, but your kids will never forget what happened when mommy brought them to a grown-up restaurant. Trust me, they’ll never make the same mistake. Nor will anyone else within about fifty feet.

How did you get to be such a jerk without attending lectures?

By Really NoKids

March 21, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

Oh, NoKids, I go to lectures all the time. I’m an insufferable snob. In case you don’t know, I will be crystal clear about it:

I am better than you.

By Really NoKids

March 21, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

And don’t forget the old saying…

Everytime a homely woman gets a cat, an angel gets its wings.

By JustMe

March 21, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

It depends on how mature the kid is, and what artist they are potentially going to see. The age - to a degree - is just a number. Consider the context of the music/act, the type of audience that will be there, and what you are or aren’t willing to expose your child to. It’s as simple as that.

By past50mom

March 21, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

I posted earlier today that Chastain Park concerts would be a good venue to try with children. Then someone attacked my comment. There are several series that play at Chastain every year, and you get different audiences for each, depending on your musical choices. We’ve been going for years, and seen the Atlanta Symphony play, as well as current rock groups and oldies. Not all attendees are rude, and it’s a pleasant evening out, and outside.

By Wow

March 21, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this

Why all the anger? Just because someone has a differing opinion doesn’t mean that anyone is better than anyone else. Get a grip, people, and grow up!!! As to taking a child to a concert the only thing you need to make a decision is common sense. Consider the type of act, venue, and atmosphere. If you, as a parent, feel the lyrics are appropriate for your child to discuss if he/she feels the need, then go for it. If not, leave the youngsters at home.

By past50 mom

March 21, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

Laura, Got Kids? How do children learn to behave in public if they don’t go out? Or do yours just stay home with your nanny?

By deidreNC

March 22, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

mean a** people…geeze-its a conversation about taking kids to concerts..why such anger here…and really…kids have to be in situations in order to learn how to act in situations…parents have to use their common sense as to what situations to put them in…and NO ONE- EVEN people WITH kids like to be ANYWHERE that other peoples kids are acting like he11ions…that isnt reserved just for non parent people….get over yourselves ….grrrrr

By Herb

March 22, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

I took my granddaughter to the Shakira Concert. During an audience look over by the arean CAM, a women exposed herdelf. My granddaughter cracked up and said they were fake. She was 11. COncert should depend on content and crow. Her next concert Nickelback.

By Candi

March 22, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this

Really Jen, you are an idiot of unimaginable proportions to state that people who are single aren’t as good as the rest of us. Back to the subject being discussed though, these days, no concert is 100% family friendly. I remember a few years ago attending one of those outdoor oldies reunion shows. You’d think that would be ok, but no, I saw a young woman there (I believe she may have been slightly mentally challenged, poor thing) dressed very suggestively. She was hanging all over any man who’d allow it & dancing up by the front of the stage in a very provocative way, like, all she needed was a pole. My 4-year old asked me some very embarrassing questions upon seeing her!

By Judy

March 22, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Hmmmmm….. in my opinion, I would have no problem taking kids of just about any age to a large stadium show or an outdoor music festival, or even to The Tabernacle or Fox Theatre, but I think I would draw the line at a bar like the 40 Watt. Why? No one goes to the 40 Watt thinking they are going to have to be careful around young people.

However, some of the most well-adjusted young people I know were socialized in concert and lot settings from infancy by their parents who took them with on tour…. i.e., Greatful Dead shows.

I’ll agree with Laura on the “fancy restaurants,” too. If I am going out for an expensive meal in high-end restaurant, the very last thing I want to deal with is an unhappy toddler, or even a happy one who is playing with their silverware or the car keys slamming them on the table. It’s unsettling when you’ve gone out to have a relaxing evening. Please note I said toddler because I would expect any child over 5-6 to know how to act in a restaurant.

By Judy

March 22, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this

Really Jen said:

‘What I really love is all the single people living at home with their cats and their empty lives complaining about children and posting on a blog for mothers.”

Does it matter if someone is single, or just does not have children? Whatever makes you think their lives are empty? How presumptuous of you to think that just because some adults don’t want to be bothered by your little darlings while they eat dinner or catch a show in an adult atmosphere, that their lives aren’t as fulfilling as yours.

Wow.

By mm

March 23, 2007 7:59 AM | Link to this

Some of the comments point to more of today’s overindulgence of children. Several posters point out that “Oh no, it’s not that we want them to see the show, it is a show THEY want to see” And….your point is that this makes it okay. Are you their parents??? Just because a CHILD wants something does not mean they should receive it! Period! OVERINDULGENCE OF TODAY’S YOUTH IS OUT OF CONTROL. They get whatever they want, whenever they want, nevermind that it is not something they need or should even have. And this does not just pertain to material things. It happens emotionally as well…” oh, what would you like to do sweetie, I will give you the “choice”…you get to decide…blah, blah, blah

By fk

March 23, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this

here’s my two cents worth to those of you who are not yet parents: do not criticize, because, someday, you, too, may be a parent. all i’m saying is that unless you figure out a way to reproduce & raise robots, you will find yourself in situations that you previously criticized others about. it happens to the best of us. happy friday.