Does anyone have any advise for bringing young children (my 4 1/2 year old daughter) to a stones concert? My wife and I are thinking of going to Atlantic City, and while we have been to several shows ourselves, I am thinking of bringing her along, thinking this may the the only time she can see the band.

Any thoughts?

Two words: ear plugs

for children i advice this kind of "earplugs" ,cause little children have sometimes problems with something sticked in their ear:
available in every home improvement store



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Oh, give me the beat, boys, and free my soul
I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away

Concerts are like Vegas-leave the kids at home.

As a father, I realize the temptation to have our kids experience the shows. However the late hour, loud noise, beer, smoking etc. is simply not for kids.

(in my opinion)

I guess there 's no problem if you have reserved seats - and ear protection of course.

Montrealsuperfan Wrote:
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Concerts are like Vegas-leave the kids at home.

As a father, I realize the temptation to have our kids experience the shows. However the late hour, loud noise, beer, smoking etc. is simply not for kids.

(in my opinion)


Montreal - great advice. I completely agree.
I want my 5 y/o to see them too while he can, but as much as I want that, I could not in good conscience bring him into that kind of environment. In this case, the bad would override the good.

In my humble opinion...
Don't do it.
I have three kids and have never taken them.

I still can picture the 3 or 4 year old I saw crying and screaming holding her ears.

Take her in another 10 years.
The Stones will be back.

I don't think it's that big of a deal if you sit back in the tier, that said do not bring your kids to a stones concert in the first, TEN ROWS!

Under ten years old and 99.999999999% won't get it at all..........

BTW,in Cologne some guy behind me was putting ear-plugs into his kid ears before the show. Kid was cool with that for opening act. But just right after JJF I see this kid throwing earplugs out and rocking (with Dad probably being worried) but hey - it's the Stones energy! - it's much better to hear it clear without any 'walls'

You should NOT bring a small child to a Rolling Stones concert.

Period.

You are the father. What if your kid starts screaming that the volume is hurting her ears? Will you do the right thing and leave the show? What if everyone around you is smoking pot? Will you do the right thing and leave the show?

Are you that indifferent about the Stones that you are prepared to leave the show if the situation is not kid-friendly?

Grow up. Be the adult. Think responsibly. YOUR KIDS ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN THE WORLD.

Take care of them.

Well I see that you've got a few options, being a childcare professional, I recommend the following:

1.) Leave them in the car - Just crack the window open. If it's too hot, just leave the car running with the a/c on, they're not likely to get in the drivers seat anyways.

2.) If they want to come in - LET THEM. You can sit them on your shoulders, or pass them around to sit on the shoulders of strangers attending the concert. You should absolutely trust these strangers. Without question.

3.) As far as I can tell, that amber-colored liquid you've got in your plastic cup could be apple juice. I can't tell the difference. Your child shouldn't be able to either. Let them enjoy.

4.) Marajuana. Okay, parents, this is where I draw the line. You need to teach your kids respect and discipline. Don't let them hog the spliff. Remember parents - whoever they pass the joint or pipe to is not going to be very happy if the end is wet with their saliva. Gross.

5.) Sound. I can understand some of you will be hesitant to have your kids experience hundreds upon hundreds of decibels of sound. Let them. This way, they won't have to listen to mommy and daddy yell at each other at home about -"YOU LET OUR THREE YEAR-OLD ATTEND A ROCK CONCERT?!?!?!" You'll be doing them a favor, trust me.

Now that you've got these helpful child-rearing tips, go out and enjoy the concert together! It'll be a bonding experience. Just tell that douche in front to stop jumping up and down in front of you or you'll shank him.

Have been around to various concert this summer,
and 10-11 is my general recommendation as an age limit.

Baboon Bro Wrote:
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> Have been around to various concert this summer,
> and 10-11 is my general recommendation as an age
> limit.


I agree with you

We were near a family FOS recently in Europe.

Little girl about age 8 looked bored.

Little boy aged around 6 was glued did not take his eyes off Keith and Ronnie whole show.

Much depends on your kids and you should know them better than anyone else.

The fact that you have to ask here means there is already a doubt in your mind.

Why not wait till she asks if she can come along.

Well I was at Urban Jungle as a 9 year, and I couldn't believe what I saw. I left my family and went to the front row, they all let me pass them, because I was so sweet or something. It was a real kick.

well Erik, quite similar with me - was left FOS alone and lost but once they stepped on stage I find myself forever you know !

and btw - this is very nice story of a guy who brought his 13 years old sister to Berlin 2006
[p081.ezboard.com]

Took my 4 year old to VooDoo lounge in Memphis-he looked cool in Tongue T and black leather jacket and a mop of hair-but he went to sleep half-way thru the show.

I took my 2 daugthers to Globen in -93, 10 and 12 years: They loved to be there (lots of popcorn and coke), but I think 10 years is the minimum age to really appreciate what's going on. I bought them decent quality earplugs (can't remember the brand now, same as many musicians use) at ca. 30 € per pair. Outdoor it isn't loud enough to kill your ears, maybe slight hiss after the concert in FOS section. A small venue is different, but they don't play that loud (Kinks did, heard them twice indoor in Oslo, and the hiss was still there 2nd morning)

Never wear earplugs. I'd rather go deaf than not hearing it right.

JumpingKentFlash

I was 7 when my dad took me to my first Rolling Stones concert (my first ever concert!) in '65. It's the best memory I have from my childhood. Not only for the music and seing the Stones, but it was also an important bonding with my dad. My sister and mum had to stay at home, because they liked The Beatles. Yes, rough rules back then! I remember it very well, how proud I was - that my dad and I actually shared such a great experience. And also for the fact that my dad had even more pointed shoes and a cooler outfit than the Stones! Not as long hair, though. I'll remember that show for as long as I live. And I think the experience changed my life - both when it comes to a career choice and the "no crap, thank you"-attitude when it comes to music. I only wish he'd thought of protecting my ears... The girls were screaming so loudly, it actually hurt.
Bring your kids! Share the exitement, the passion, and re-live the memories for decades. Bonding with your kids - what's more important than that?! Your children will thank you.

x



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2006-12-06 08:13 by Beelyboy.

in zurich, there was a boy about 7 years old who pushed his way to the front of the rail for the opening band - who knows where his parents were. he left this spot and tried to come back later but there was much more crowding. he ended up spending the show in the 2nd row, not enjoying himself at all and all of us worried about him all night.

my opinion - general admission shows, at least, are no places for kids.

The couple in front of me in Houston last December brought their two kids, looked to be about 10-12 y.o. Very well behaved kids. Their Dad tried hard to keep their eyes off the jumbotron when a rather racy video was playing during Brown Sugar. I wonder how Dad explained it to the kids while driving home afterwards.

I don't understand parents who must censor and lie about everything to their kids.

The guy was obviousy uptight. I don't remember the mother doing anything. But yeah, it is a shame to put kids in that kind of situation.

I saw parents trying to push their 5 to 6 year old kids right to the front of stage in Amsterdam Arena, but they did NOT seem to enjoy it for very long. Everybody around looked a little worried about what to do. I think it is stupid to push a child in a crowd to the front. If you have seats, it may work. Although the sound is more damp, a child should not be exposed to so much stress IMO.

I am a child counselor...and have gone to the stones with friends who have brought their kids. When they came to Singapore my friends brought their kinder and first grade girls and they loved it! Ear plugs are a must. As for worrying about the beer, the drugs, the sex...well I would recommend sitting in the upper seats, seems to be mellower and they can watch the screens.

Really seriously, shielding kids from life doesn't work, and actually sharing with them these type of adventures builds a strong and respectful relationship.

GO FOR IT!

don't no 4 or 5 quite young , ive witnessed dis b 4 a few times & while dey seem 2 b havin fun , dey pretty much were just sittin 90% of da show out ,& seems like dey don't no whats goin on . @ giants 02 i was 8th row floor & der was dis guy w/ 2 very young kids n da 1st row dead center . i'd say kids bout 3 & 4 yrs old & dey sat out most of da show also , but durin jj flash da" im guessin " dad held da 2 of um up 1 on each shoulder 4 most of da song , dat was sooo cool 2 c , i shoudda had a camera 4 dat 1,Keith @ da tip of da stage bangin out jjf & dis cool dude holdin his 2 sweethearts up n full view right below um

took my daughter when she was 9 & she ended up c n da last 5 U.S. tours , dat 1st time she loved it , but a couple great moments w/ her were 1999 , da 1st time she saw rambler live & on da b - stage yet , & we were very close ,after da song she turned 2 me & said " dad , " dat was incredible " dat hit a soft spot ! den @ giants 02 as mick was starting 2 walk out on da catwalk 2 da b - stage, she says 2 me , dad, ' here comes da king ' ! den last yr. @ hershey after a great pre concert shidoobee party & stones concert she says dad " dis da best stones concert ever " so im glad i tattooed her brain w/stones.Big dividends come with dis also, all or most of my xmas & bday presents hav been stones related , stones p jays , mugs , glasses , books , t shirts & much mo i got from my lil stones girl

hav no idea who dey might b but
here's a lil stones sweetie i shot on vid n philly 10- 12- 05 , guessin w/dad & bout 9 yrs. young watchin b - stage comin back 2 da main stage

woo hooo dad " here comes da greatest "



hurry up dad , i don't wanna mis Keef playin honky tonk woman



Mick! Keith! Over Here ! Woo Hooo , her little arms out, bottom left







Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2006-08-14 04:41 by chippy.

Chippy, hopefully one day science will provide us with the ability to decipher your messages