How to Enjoy Your Kids' Favorite Music

The "generation gap" had been around, well, for generations! And with the evolution of pop music over the past sixty years, the "gap" is often all about the differences that kids and parents have over what's "good" to listen to and what's not. Parents, you can narrow that gap just a little in your family and maybe even learn a few things from your kids in the process.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Go into this with the idea that you want to get closer to your kids by seeing or, more to the point, hearing things from their point of view. Think back to the not too distant past, when your parents gave you strange looks when they heard what you were listening to and remember how you wished, if only for just a second, that they would take the time to really give your music a chance.
2. Tune in to A/C and hot A/C radio stations in your area and just spend a little time really paying attention to the songs your kids are listening to. If you hear something you don't care for, remember that songs are still only three or four minutes long and another one will be along soon!
   
   If you hear anything you like, try to catch the name of the artist and make a note of it so that you can research more of that artist's work. You might find more to like and think how pleasantly surprised your kids will be when you start sharing, out of the blue, how much you like that Amy Winehouse song that ISN'T "Rehab"!
3. Information is power so ask your kids who they like and who they're listening to. In the worst case scenario, the kids will think you're up to something parental. But they might also secretly appreciate that you took the time to ask them about their music without putting it down.
4. As you listen to the artists your kids are into, keep an ear out for any thing that reminds you of favorite artists from your generation. You might be able to pull off the dual trick of getting into what your kids like while converting them to some of your favorite music as well!

Tips & Warnings

• Try to find common ground first. Then, if you want to get into debates with your kids about the value or lack of value of some of their favorites, at least you have some credibility in their "ears".
• Read industry magazines like Billboard and Cashbox to get the names of groups, artists and songs your kids are into. Remember, always, knowledge is power!
• Keep in mind that the goal is to get closer to your kids.
• Avoid at all costs, any "force feeding" of your tastes.