Does he actually want to go? Have you talked through the anxiety? My son has anxiety and most often it is not at a high clinical level. But a situation like this he may want to go to a concert with us first before going by himself. If he has never been to a concert before and doesn't know what to expect that may make the anxiety harder. I think the 3 of you should sit down and have a conversation about it. I also snuck out and went to a concert at 17, and it was totally fine. But I can see an argument for you to say OK 16 no, but 17 OK. Also does the venue have age rules? When we went to the concert we went with an older sister who was 20 or 21. So we were with someone who was technically an adult inside the venue.
I also agree that seats/ environment matter. I think it is fairly easy to avoid the mosh pit just don't go down there, but I also think this is affected by environment.
Post by chilerellanos on Mar 9, 2023 16:43:48 GMT -5
Well, I happened to go to my 17 yo’s first concert with her last summer. And she started crying during it because her anxiety was so bad and she felt overwhelmed and trapped.
Do they have actual seats, or is it general admission? I think I'd let my 14 1/2 year old go at 16 assuming he remains as responsible and trustworthy a kid as he is now. Will the dad be close by to get them early if necessary?
Well, I happened to go to my 17 yo’s first concert with her last summer. And she started crying during it because her anxiety was so bad and she felt overwhelmed and trapped.
Oh man. I’m sorry this was her experience. I think this is an important consideration to think about. Not everyone can tolerate a concert.
yes! Let him go if he wants to go! I was having sex at 16, doing drugs and drinking! This seems like an easy decision to me, but I also don't have kids so my opinion means nothing! LOL
I’d go over a few safety concerns before-hand: - Never go anywhere alone (always take a buddy, even to the bathroom/concession stand) - Not accept anything to eat or drink from anyone - Escape plan if caught in a crowd surge or some other dangerous situation - Meet-up place both inside and outside the venue in case they get separated.
The anxiety could be an issue. Do his friends know and are they supportive? If he had to leave in the middle, would they be okay leaving with him and getting dad to come pick them up?
I would let him go if he wants to go and thinks he will be OK anxiety-wise. But I would definitely have the conversations others have recommended in regard to an exit strategy, warning signs regarding crowd surge, how to avoid his anxiety triggers, and most importantly, he should feel OK calling the other kid's dad to come get him if he is overwhelmed.
One other piece of advice, tell him that his group should make a backup plan to meet up if they get separated - ie. if anything happens and we split up somehow, we meet at X spot at either a designated time or after the show ends. As a former teenage frequent concert goer, I will just say that hormones and emotions get a little out of whack at events like this (especially ones like this that you said that the crowd tends to run pretty young). Having a backup plan is a must.
I'll preface by saying you know your kid best and what they may be able to handle.
In my case, I would have no issue with my kids going. They have been going to concerts of all kinds and festivals with me since they were 3. Earlier if you count being in an Ergo as infants at outdoor festivals. Ha. We go to multiple show a year. They are 10.
In 6 years, they will have cell phones which would make me even more comfortable letting them go.
And yeah, the comments about rap and shootings are clearly racist. Gross.
I don't understand the safety concern of a rap concert vs other concerts.
I went to a Something Corporate show (decidedly not rap) as a teen and had to sink down below everyone and push through people’s legs to get out when the crowd rushed the stage. I was too small to stay above it.
Post by springchick32 on Mar 10, 2023 6:58:41 GMT -5
I’ve been to a few rap/hip hop concerts in my younger days and never had an issue but they were always close to home. Everyone there was just having a good time. I am a female saying this but I understand your concern and I think he will be ok. Plus I think there were metal detectors, pat downs and bag checks going in
He had a good time. He was picked up around 3 and headed into Boston. They checked into the hotel, and headed to concert (doors opened at 7). The concert was over by 10 and they stopped for burgers :-)
He sent me some snaps and updates and they're safely back in the hotel. I sent a bag of junk food (chips, oreos, candy and slim jims) for the hotel room. I'm glad we allowed it. You all were right, it was a good first concert experience (for all of us). haha
I'm looking forward to hearing the full details tomorrow. thanks for all of your advice. 🤗