I have never quite grown up when it comes to pop culture. I remember riding in the car with my parents as a teenager. They always had (as we referred to it) "old fart" music playing and I abhorred it!
I always expected to one day find myself in the driver's seat of the sedan, reminiscing about the good old days to my own tunes while my kids griped in the backseat. But, for some reason, I still love today's music. Okay, I realize that it may be pretty embarrassing for my kids that their mom knows every lyric to every song in High School Musical (1 and 2), and sings "Umbrella, ella, ella" at the top of her lungs, and especially when I crank that Soulja Boy (Check the vid... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boRcs161ZPo)
Some parents may think this is a bit odd, but I love it. We sing together, dance together, and as an added benefit, if a explicit song comes on, I know it and I censor it! That's one thing my parents definitely didn't do when I was a teenager. I just listened to whatever I wanted in my room...and, trust me, Prince left little to the imagination.
I want to be a very real, very active part of my children's lives. And if their faces turn red when I scream along with them at the Jonas Brothers concert, who cares? At least I know what they're screaming about.
What do you think? Can you be too integrated in your children's lives? When do you need to act like a grownup in pop culture? And, do any other moms out there crank that soulja boy? And, come on, admit it...how many of you know HSM by heart?
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5 comments:
I right there with ya, sister! My kids are now getting to the age where I'm not as cool for knowing all the songs.
I just enjoy being in on the latest, and my 7-year-old always picks up the latest from school. At his age, he thinks it's cool if his mom and he have something in common. I think it's not okay, though, if we use the pop culture as a vehicle for being friends. I'm not his friend; I'm his mom. He has lots of friends, but he needs his mom.
I agree with both rebeccas. I am all on the "mom not friend" thought, but I still enjoy the same music. Any connection you have with your kids (other than sharing a beer when they are underage)is a good thing.
I know all the words to the songs in both HSM movies! My daughter, who is eight, loves to sing with me.
As for "Cranking" the Soulja Boy dance... that crosses the line for me.
I love being able to communicate with my kids about what they enjoy, and I have to admit I do also. I think it makes our bond sronger. I grew up in a very "proper" home and couldn't wait to leave it. I never felt I could talk to my mom because she was clueless. So far my 11 and 10 year olds tell me everything, because as my daughter says "I get it". That doesn't mean they don't get in trouble for inappropriate behavior, but that I understand that it happens and life goes on. However I'm very mean according to my 4 year old son. He tells me this generally as he is laying a big smooch on me!
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