Arranging for your child to see a favorite act is a good idea. Music becomes central to the life of children as they enter early adolescence. According to the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, watching television declines during middle school years as preteens spend four to six hours daily listening to music. Parents need to become aware of how music is playing out in a child's life. One of the best ways for parents to understand what the music means to young teens is to attend a rock concert with them.
Parents can tag along with a preteen and a friend.
With an older adolescent, they might not be welcome in the next seat, but some venues have parent rooms. The Ice Palace in Tampa converts a bar into a waiting room for parents when an act that appeals to a younger audience plays. Being there lets parents get a firsthand look at the kinds of teenagers who rally around a particular musician or group. Some rock acts, like Bob Dylan or Bruce Springsteen, might be an opportunity for parents to share their musical past with their emerging teenager. Going to a concert, even if it means driving a few hours, shows an adolescent that what's important to him or her is on the parents' agenda.