Music is a big part of our lives. In the car ride to and from school, on the way to sports activities, running errands and during dance parties that we have at home on the weekends.
Do I allow my kids to listen to every song on the radio? Of course not. Do I push the envelope and let them listen to some mainstream tunes? Yep, I am 100 percent guilty of that (don’t judge).
We mix in a little “Hotline Bling” by Drake, “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift, “Hello” by Adele, “Sugar” by Maroon 5 and some old-school Heavy D & The Boyz, Queen Latifah and Salt N Pepa. (I know, I’m taking you way back to the 90s).
I don’t feel like we always have to listen to the “Kids Bop” version of every song made. Let’s face it: Our kids are going to learn how to “Wobble” and “Whip & Nae Nae” with or without us.
Why not take the lead and listen to mainstream music with them and explain and discuss what the songs mean (in a “Sesame Street” kind of way)?
It’s just music, and if signing “Bad Blood” on the way to every soccer game and playing “Hotline Bling ” on the way to gymnastics competitions get my kids in a good mood and ready to win, I’m all for it.
In our home, we have dance parties on the weekends. This usually consists of my husband teaching us the latest line dances (which I am terrible at). From the “Electric Slide” all the way to the “Cha Cha,” my kids just love to dance and genuinely enjoy the music. On the way to school, I roll up with the music booming playing “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers (every day). Of course, there are those parents who look and stare, but I believe I’m creating moments that my kids will remember every time they hear a special song.
Isn’t that what happens to you when you hear “that” special song? The music creates the memories. As long as we as parents are responsible in our music choices (non-explicit versions, etc.), I think it’s OK to play mainstream music and have fun with the kids.
One BIG lesson that I did learn was to discuss which songs are appropriate to sing in public (mainly school). When I heard from a teacher that my daughter was singing “It’s Raining Men” at lunch, I’ll admit I did have to have a chat. But in her defense, it was very innocent, and I did explain why certain things should remain within our four walls.
If you’re a mainstream mom like me, embrace it and stop worrying about being judged. It doesn’t mean that you’re a bad mother with bad morals. It just means that you like to step outside of the box, and that’s OK.
Teana McDonald shares her enthusiasm and passion for social media, public relations and event marketing by running a thriving business, 3E Connections, Inc. Connect and continue the conversation with her on social media @3EConnections.
