I’ve had my fill of catchy tunes about partying and provocative dance moves. So much of the pop music on the radio is rife with sexism, overt sexuality, and mentions of heavy drinking and drug use. Yikes!
Maybe I sound like one of those old-school critics, but I have an 11-year-old son who is not just obsessed with pop tunes but also has an incredible knack for understanding every lyric (unlike me—I’m officially a relic, constantly going, “Wait, what did they say?”).
We have strict parental controls on screens and limit TV time. I often check movies and even books on Common Sense Media to ensure they’re suitable for my kids. Yet, when it comes to the radio, it’s like the Wild West, and I’m left with few options other than outright banning it, which seems both dreary and impossible to enforce.
So what are my alternatives? We don’t have satellite radio, and my kids are not into oldies or the Christian station. NPR doesn’t cut it either. My son is a music fanatic who wants the radio blaring all the time. I’ve found the laundry room radio in his room more than once, and after realizing the DJ’s commentary can be just as questionable as the music, I’ve stealthily taken it back.
It’s easy to think this is a new dilemma for parents, but it’s far from it. When my older siblings were getting their records from Columbia House, my mom would listen to them in the kitchen while reading the lyrics. “This one’s about a prostitute,” she’d say disapprovingly while listening to The Police’s “Roxanne.” “But, Mom, he’s telling her not to do it!” They definitely had her number then!
The reality is, parents can’t always preview everything, and let’s face it—who has the time? Growing up near New York City, I had my own clock radio tuned to the music station. One morning, I stumbled upon Howard Stern’s show during my pre-middle school routine. At about 11 or 12 years old, I was horrified to hear him asking female guests if they were wearing any underwear. It was cringe-worthy, and it reminded me of some of the awkward questions junior high boys would ask the girls.
So, I switched over to the all-news stations instead—because, you know, that’s better? I’d hear horrifying news reports about violent crimes in Central Park rather than music that was simply suggestive. My parents had no clue what I was absorbing in my room.
The bottom line? Tweens are going to encounter all sorts of inappropriate content, whether we like it or not. This will happen at school, and at home, especially on the radio—even if we’re careful with other media. With that in mind, I’m working on reducing solo listening time and increasing time spent listening together. Why not turn it into an opportunity for discussion?
When my siblings and I were new drivers, my mom always encouraged us to drive with her to maximize our learning. I believe the same approach applies to media and the complex issues it raises. Listening together gives me a chance to address raunchy lyrics and the DJs’ questionable remarks, and I hope to become the voice in their heads that encourages them to think critically about what they hear.
There’s a glimmer of hope. My son has tried to convince me that a woman singing “you don’t own me” is way better than another who sings “I wanna look good for you.” He’s not wrong! And hopefully, he’ll realize that ideally, no woman should have to even say “you don’t own me” to her partner.
So, I’ll keep the conversation going, and I hope he continues to think critically. It might be time to stop shielding him from the world and instead prepare him to engage with it.
For more insights on navigating parenthood, check out this post about home insemination kits, which highlights the journey many couples undertake. Additionally, for those interested in the science behind conception, Wikipedia provides an excellent resource on artificial insemination.
Summary
Navigating the world of pop music with kids can be tricky, especially with the increasingly inappropriate lyrics prevalent in mainstream songs. It’s crucial to engage in open discussions about these topics rather than simply banning certain media. By listening together, parents can use these moments to instill critical thinking in their children, preparing them for the realities of the world while encouraging thoughtful conversations.