4 yr olds & Hip Hop/Rap lyrics?

Question

This summer, my 4 year old went to different field trips with her daycare. The kids ride the daycare van and the daycare owner drives. My daughter came home singing some hip hop booty song from the radio. I asked the owner about letting 4 yr olds listen to a hip hop rap radio station. All they play on that radio station is booty shakin’ in the club. She defended herself saying the van doesn’t have a CD or cassette player, that the kids would get upset with no music, and that the Department of Human Services allows it. Plus she says that most of the kids listen to that type of music anyway.

My argument, pick out 5 songs and really listen to the lyrics, not appropriate for 4 yr olds. And just because DHS allows it doesn’t make it ok. AND kids are going to disagree with adults, but it’s our job as adults to set kids straight.

Needless to say, I am withdrawing her from this daycare. What’s Your Opinion?

* And anyone who disagrees with children being in daycare while parents work, please don’t respond. Many parents must work & enroll their children in daycare to make a living. Thanks.

Thanks for the support and opinions guys!

Answer 1

Wow, that director needs a kick in the rear. I had this exact same problem in a church day care where I worked several years ago. The day care had several vans in order to pick up kids after school was out. My husband also worked at the day care and drove one of the vans. He would only allow Radio Disney in his van but the other two drivers would turn on the Rap and Hip Hop stations. We both felt this was completely inappropriate and the director had no idea it was happening. We talked with her about it and reminded her that the name of the church was on the outside of the van. We also mentioned that the teachers allowed the music to be played so loudly that others, outside side the vans, could hear it, and what kind of message would that portray about the church. My husband was the minister of youth and children at the time and he had to insist that all the vans would only play Radio Disney or they would listen to nothing at all. Thank goodness the director agreed and the rule was put in place. Yes, the fact is, a very sad fact, that a lot of these kids heard that music at home, but that does not mean we would be an outlet for the inappropriateness. I'm a music lover, and I truly believe children should be exposed to all kinds of music. In our house we play everything Broadway, country, rock, classical, some R&B (old stuff usually), but I would never allow my child to listen to something that was inappropriate, violent, or offensive to women, which is what a lot of rap is. Good for you for removing your child from that day care. If it were me, I would seriously consider reporting the facility to DHS.

Answer 2

I totally agree with you. If your child is coming home saying things bad cause they heard if from another child then theres not much to do but let the teacher know, but when its an adult that is influencing the children with music that is not ok for kids then something needs to be done. I'm sorry, but there is other stations the kids can listen to and it ll be a lot better then rap. When you found that they were not going to try and fix the problem then yes finding a different daycare is the right answer. Remember, at every daycare you might now agree with everything and somethings you have to over look, but when it changes the morality or dangers the child then action is required.

Answer 3

All they have to do is turn it to Am and find Radio Disney or switch it to country. Depends on wether or not the daycare workers want to listen to that music as well, though. My son listens to the "booty music" when his dad is the one that picks him up. He's almost 4. His daycare hasn't taken field trips yet so I don't have to worry about that yet. I hope you find a daycare that has a bus/van that has a CD player or something that will play appropriate music for your child.

Answer 4

I agree with you..it's your choice as to what your child listens to, we had the same problem with a school bus driver, same excuse, don't make it right..the daycare owner can buy a cd player with an auto plug, it's not that expensive and there are other stations out there beside hip hop/rap/rock/pop..there is radio disney, which sometimes may be alittle questionable..my guess is that may be the station that the owner personally listens to.

Answer 5

I agree!! It is the PARENTS choice, it isn't the DFS or the daycares choice. These are YOUR children. I would have made a big scene. You should go ahead and report a problem, even if no one works the case, if enough parents complain about he daycare DFS or the state will have to listen. I would talk to the other parents too, they might now even know this is going on.
Good luck!!

Answer 6

I know some may disagree, but hip hop music is for adults. The lyrics often contain material that is totally inappropriate for kids under 14, much less 4.

Answer 7

I agree a hundred percent with you. My son is 3 and listens to rap/r&b occasionally, but I screen every song for profanity and the like. I think you have every right to remove your child from that situation especially if the provider is defending her actions. Its your child and she should respect your rules. I hope you find a better fit in your next daycare. Good Luck.

Answer 8

Songs on the radio are edited so I don't see anything wrong with it. When my kids ( 22 and 18 now) were growing up I listened to Guns and roses all the time unedited. My kids never swore and swear very little today. It's all about what you DON'T let them do. The minute you say you can't or shouldn't or that's bad they do it more. Don't move her don't make a big deal out of it she will stop singing.

Answer 9

You did the right thing withdrawing her from the daycare. Obviously the owner doesn't understand how impressionable young children are. I would also be concerned about her knowledge of child development or lack thereof.

Answer 10

I agree with you. Kudos to you for removingher from that situation. I do agree that they are gonna hear those things at some point in time anyway, BUT it's the daycare providors responsibility to oversee the children properly & letting them listen to that kind of music is NOT overseeing them properly. Defending her actions liek she did is disturbing to me.