Stay Plugged-in: Know Your Teen’s Music

One of the greatest influences in the life of your teen is music. You need to be determined to know what bands are influencing your son or daughter. Listen to every CD your child brings home. Yes, you read this correctly. In case you missed it, stop and go read the previous sentence again and focus on the two words “every CD.” Sure, this will take a lot of time on your part, but, as a parent, it is your responsibility to be aware of the music your teen is pumping into his or her mind and spirit. You can do this.

Not only do you need to listen to the CD’s, you need to read the lyrics of every song on that CD. Make it a rule in the home that in order to bring home a CD, your teen must also provide the lyrics of that CD for you to read and approve. No lyrics; no approval; no CD!

Remember, you shouldn’t draw battle lines based on your own musical taste or style. Lyrics, not styles, are what is important. Also, be determined to check out the lifestyles of your teen’s favorite rock heads. The lifestyle of such bands and artists generally spills over into the lyrics of their songs.

Go online or to the library and research the various bands and artists important to your teen. Find out what the lives of these artists are really all about, then sit down and talk with your teen about them. Present the evidence and help lead your child to make a wise decision. You can’t control your teen’s opinion, but you can help illuminate the facts about the music; and you can decide what is and isn’t allowed in your home.