Managing Music
in the Home
Listen to the music your children like. Read the lyrics and discuss
them with your kids. But keep in mind that studies have shown that many kids
don't pay a lot attention to lyrics, so don't put too much emphasis on the
words of your kids favorite songs.
Broaden your kids' musical tastes by exposing them to different kinds
of music: jazz, classical, folk, country, blues, show tunes, etc., through
recording and live concerts. Show them how the music they enjoy didn't develop
in a void, but is a culmination of many different earlier musical
influences.
If your kids like music videos, watch with them and use violent or sexist
content as starting points for discussing gender stereotyping and media
violence. Talk about the role of gender stereotyping plays in
the marketing of female artists. An examination of CD covers will help illustrate
how the industry continues to promote women artists as sex objects.
When your kids are young, you have the right to ban music you find
inappropriate from your house. Talk to your kids about your decision and
explain why you find the music objectionable. Even if they disagree, your
kids will probably respect your decision if you explain your motivation.
Older teens will object to censorship of their music, and they have
the right to defend their viewpoint. Discuss freedom of expression versus
censorship, and try to come up with a compromise that respects everyone's
feelings.
When purchasing music for your kids, look for Parental Advisory labels
that warn of explicit lyrics. Keep in mind that labelling is voluntary for
recording companies, so you can't assume that music without a label will
be appropriate for all ages.
If a CD or tape purchased by your child has objectionable lyrics and
doesn't have an advisory label, return it to the store. Most stores have
a "hassle-free" return policy if a parent disapproves of a child's
purchase.
Ask music store staff for information about specific artists. Most music
store employees are very willing to guide parents when they choose music
for their kids.
Supervise your kids' access to music on the Internet. The music and
lyrics for virtually any song can be freely downloaded from the Internet
by anyone, regardless of age. In some cases there are even additional lyrics
that have been censored in the retail version.
Canada's cable music station Much Music has strict guidelines regarding
violent content, however the highly sexualized music videos of many artists
make the station inappropriate viewing for children and even pre-teens. Parents
should also be aware that music videos are not rated using the Canadian TV
Classification System.
Consider buying your kids music from Walmart , they do not sell CD's
with lewd lyrics. Walmart is so powerful in the marketplace that artists
are forced to sell CD's with the bad words changed or bleeped out. You would
be shocked how your kids probably won't even notice. If Wal-Mart
sells it then its won't have any of the 7-words you can't say.
And finally, remember when Elvis Presley shocked your parents with his
swivel hips? Or the Beatles with their long hair? Every generation goes thru
this. Now may be a good time to pull out the old pictures of yourself with
your kids and laugh.
iTunes U. Click. Sync. Learn. Download on iTunes.
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