Hello all - my 14 year old has asked to attend a foo fighter concert with his friends. It is on a Friday; however, the area where it is located is a popular bar scene where they close the streets on friday and sat night for people going out. I was wondering if 1) he is old enough for the concert, and 2) what kind of ground rules if he does go (for example, i pick up and drop him off, etc). Thanks in advance!
2007-12-13 02:02:13 · 15 answers · asked by scd1399 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I've faced this situation with my own children.
My solution was...I let her go, but chaperoned. I drove her and her friends to the concert, and found a cafe to wait at that was within view of the Civic Center. I gave them time and space enough that she and her friends didn't feel hedged in. I also gave her a cell phone and let her call me when she was ready to be driven back home.
Foo fighters, which my niece likes, is a good bet for a 14 yr old. As to age, its a different world than when we grew. He is learning, early, in school, etc, to be independent, responsible for his own actions, etc. To give him the benefit of the doubt, with ground rules clearly understood well before hand, and even some praise...not a parental "talking" session...but, glad I let you come, you showed me how responsible you can be, sort of short remark, will go a long way toward deepening the budding young adult-parent relationship.
You might also ask if there is anything planned for after the show. That way, you aren't in for any surprises :)
2007-12-13 02:19:16 · answer #1 · answered by aidan402 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have met his friends and trust them, then I think you should let him go.
The Foo Fighters do not have a bad reputation and their music isn't considered offensive, so I would allow it.
Be the driver and arrange to drop off his friends too if necessary. Pick him up right after the concert. I think that he will be fairly safe even if it is a bar district if you take the precautions of lending him your cell phone (if he doesn't have one), talking to him about what to do if he needs help (go to one of the many police officers they have in those neighborhoods, or go back inside the concert hall and see security) and to resist any possible peer pressure (ie drinking or drugs-- though these are unlikely at such a concert). I would also make sure he got his homework done before he went, or if it's the Friday that he at least go a good start on it that afternoon. This will show him your priorities.
At age 14, it is important to give our children more freedom provided we know that they will be in a safe environment. If you are cautiously, but allow him to go, his trust in your will flourish and he will not want to disapoint you. As well, your increased trust in him is important to his development as a responsible adult. (Kids who are reigned in too tightly get the message that their parents do not trust or respect them and this makes them more likely to rebel at the first opportunity.) Kids who are given freedom with boundaries excell.
Good luck! I hope your son has a great time, and I know that if you give him this trust he will strive to keep it.
2007-12-13 02:44:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maturity level is a big thing...some 14 year olds are more mature/responsible then others. In reality, it's your call. Foo Fighters are alright...the part of town is bad though. I'd let him go, but if I were the parent I'd set some ground rules...I'd drop him off (maybe his friends too), and I'd say "you meet me right here at (said time) so I can pick you up."
2007-12-13 02:13:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do not let him go without you.
I am 17, and I am not allowed to go to concerts without my mom in attendance. Which I do not mind.
I was at a concert this past Monday, and there was a 19 year-old hitting on and taking pictures of 12 year-old kids and then telling them he was putting the pictures on his Myspace page.
Plus, the bar scene isn't that great either. People drunk and fighting. Fights turn ugly. It would be best if you or another responsible adult were supervising.
He is old enough to go to a concert, just not without out adult supervision.
2007-12-13 02:13:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you let him go.The ground rules you set should be based on how well you trust him and his friend.I would make sure he had a cell phone so he can call on case something happened and a meeting place and time that cannot be shaken.
Ask him for a couple of foo fighters c.d's and take a listen you might want to go with him. They are a great band.
2007-12-13 02:17:32 · answer #5 · answered by jaiel_00 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Foo Fighters is fairly tame compared to a lot of other bands, I've been to a few concerts as a fan. As always, I'd advise him to be aware of pickpockets, and to call you as soon as the concert ends or if he is going elsewhere (I would just drop him off and pick him up, or one of the other kids' parents should do that).
2007-12-13 02:11:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would make the arrangements to pick him up and drop him off. He still has freedom inside the show, but isn't getting into trouble or a dangerous situation outside the show in a area that's known for bars and drinking. (You never know who they may encounter). If the show is too far where you can't drop him off then go pick him up, wait for him in the parking lot. Take a portable dvd player or a book. May not be fun, but it's peace of mind.
2007-12-13 02:21:36 · answer #7 · answered by smm531 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was 15 when I went to my first concert. It was a Smashing Pumpkins concert in Austin, TX and my mom took me and my friends there, dropped us off, and then picked us up. I think it depends on how mature & responsible your daughter (and her friends) is/are. I remember going to eat afterwards and my mom kept telling me I smelled like marajuana. I know it was all around me but I didn't smoke any. Once again, I think it all depends on how much you trust her- you know her better than anyone else.
I'll never forget that night, it was so much fun and it felt so good to finally have a little taste of freedom, instead of being treated as a child.
2007-12-13 04:42:36 · answer #8 · answered by Nina Lee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with rojo, even if they are a pretty clean band that doesn't mean the crowd will be. I would minimally expect a responsible adult to go with the group. I didn't allow my kids to go to a concert until 16 and that was with an adult in the group - I guess you can call me protective, but safe is better than sorry.
2007-12-13 02:12:08 · answer #9 · answered by momstaxi33 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would contact the venue and find out for sure, but unless it is an 'all ages' show, then he probably can't get in since he isn't 18.
Since it sounds like it is in a club with a bar, he is probably going to be out of luck.
2007-12-13 02:11:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋