What Music Are Your Kids Listening To?

Do you know what music your kids are listening to?  What is their favorite music group or artist?

My 16 year old Daughter is going to a concert tomorrow night and it got me thinking about these 2 questions.

I had a pretty good idea what my 2 girls liked to listen to but wasn’t sure about my boy.  It was time for a little Mom & Child Interview…

It’s funny, I guess I should interview them more often because each child was a little leery or hesitant when I asked them the second question above.  I figured they would be able to tell me right away.  It’s not that hard of a question, but they all had to think about it some.  Both of my daughters got out their ipods and looked at their top songs.

Youngest Daughter {8}

I interviewed her first.  She said Big Time Rush and Jonas Brothers after pondering a minute or two.  Then after looking at her ipod she quickly shouted, “David Archuleta!”  It made me giggle because I knew he would be on her list.  After him it was easy for her to list off Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Nick Jonas & The Administration and Justin Bieber.

• David Archuleta
• Jonas Brothers
• Big Time Rush
• Selena Gomez
• Taylor Swift
• Justin Bieber
• Nick Jonas & The Administration

Son {13}

“I don’t think there is any good music out right now,” states my Son matter of factly.  I interrupted his Wii game to ask him who he was listening to right now. “I don’t really listen to music that much.”  I knew that already.  He and my husband are very similar in that they don’t need music in their lives.  Me, I can’t live without music!  Just another example of how opposite DH and I are.

• None

Oldest Daughter {16}

As usual, my beautiful teen Daughter gives me a weird look when I asked her.  She was on the phone with her bestie.  They were supposedly studying for chemistry together.  Her friend asks me, “why do you want to know this?”  I should have answered, “Mom’s don’t need a reason to find out stuff about their kids.”  K answered, “it’s for your blog, isn’t it?”  I guess my pen and notebook gave it away. {lol}  K’s bestie listed hers off pretty quickly: Taylor Swift, Allstar Weekend, Nick Jonas, Jonas Brothers, Jason Mraz, One Direction, Katy Perry and Ron Pope.  I have no idea who One Direction or Ron Pope is.  Both my daughters love music as much as I do and I enjoy sharing this passion with them.  K made me promise I will state that her list is in no particular order. {lol}

• Allstar Weekend
• Jonas Brothers
• Taylor Swift
• Selena Gomez
• Nick Jonas & The Administration
• Shane Harper

I’m going to have to listen to Shane Harper…haven’t heard of him.

So K and her bestie are seeing Allstar Weekend tomorrow.  The Jonas Brothers better get their new album out soon because Allstar Weekend has taken over in our house!  I like both the Jonas Brothers and Allstar Weekend.  There is one song of Allstar Weekend {which happens to be the name of their latest album} that I’m not thrilled with because of it’s heavy sexual connotation.  I remember when we first listened to this album together I mentioned to her I did not like that song. “Yeah, I skip that song.”  This is when I am screaming inside saying “YES!”  I am so grateful for her desire to listen to good music.  Moms cherish these moments…when we can see the fruits of our labor.

Do you listen to the music your kids are listening to?

Personally, I believe it is very important to know what your kids are listening to.  If the lyrics have subject matter that conflicts with our values, I talk about it with my kids.  This is an excellent opportunity to have a good conversation with your children.  It’s also a prime opportunity to teach.  Music is a very powerful medium.  I like to think I am pretty hip when it comes to music for a Mom.  Since music means a lot to me, I like to be able to listen to music with my kids.  If only I could get me kids to not be embarrassed when I begin to dance around…I know, never going to happen.

Do you talk to your kids about the popular songs that are played on the radio?

Let me give you an example.  Katy Perry has some fun songs.  However, there are several songs of hers that are played regularly on the radio that I don’t want my kids listening to.  The lyrics are not in harmony with the values we teach and instill in our children.  “So if it’s popular and all the kids at school are listening to it, why can’t I,” is the silent question my kids are asking.  Depending on who is in the conversation about the song at the time will determine my answer.  Sometimes if my 8 year old is asking I might have to be somewhat vague {depending on the subject matter contained in the song} and say, “It doesn’t have appropriate lyrics for an 8 year old.”  On the other hand, if my Son and oldest Daughter are the only ones with me during the conversation I will be pretty specific to why I don’t like it and think it’s not right for them to listen to.  It is up to them to choose whether or not they will listen to the song on their own, but when I’m around they will definitely not be listening to it.  However, if you are aware of what albums are on your kids ipods then you will know if they are following through.  This is easily accomplished by looking at their itunes accounts or whatever software they use for their mp3 player.

I’d like to encourage you to take time to talk to your kids about the music they like.  It doesn’t have to be a formal sit down with a notebook.  It can be at the dinner table.  It can be in the car{where we have our discussions the most, captive audience.}  It can be when you are watching American Idol or some sort of music awards show…anytime really.

You just might learn something you need to know about your kids by what they are listening to.

Now, your turn, what are YOUR kids listening to?

Can’t wait to hear,