As festival season kicks off, parents may find themselves grappling with important questions about whether or not to take their children to concerts and community events.
Dr. Susanna Block emphasizes that many music and community festivals are designed to be family-friendly, with all-ages concerts available throughout the year.
It is essential for parents to determine what types of events are best suited for their families based on their children’s decision-making skills and tolerance for large crowds.
For younger children, low-key events like neighborhood festivals and music on the square can be great options, allowing for easier navigation through crowds.
For older children and teens, considering how they handle long days or late nights in bright and stimulating environments is critical.
Communication with teens about boundaries concerning transportation, timing, and behavior is vital to ensure their safety and comfort at festivals as well.
Parents should also think about their own level of involvement and decide whether they want to attend with their children.
With the excitement of live music comes the concern of noise exposure.
Dr. Block points out that everyone, especially children and babies, should wear hearing protection in loud environments.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association advises limiting unprotected exposure to sounds exceeding 85 decibels (dB).
Rock concerts typically range between 90dB and 120dB, with major events like the Taylor Swift Eras tour even causing seismic activity.
Outdoor events can be loud as well, so ear protection, such as noise-canceling earmuffs or foam earplugs, is recommended.
It’s important to not only have ear protection ready but also to use it throughout the event.
Taking breaks from loud noise by finding quieter areas can help avoid overstimulation.
In addition to noise levels, festivals also raise concerns regarding drug and alcohol use.
Large crowds can often lead to increased access to alcohol and encounters with intoxicated individuals.
Dr. Block advises parents to have age-appropriate conversations about drug and alcohol use before attending an event.
While these discussions might feel uncomfortable, they are essential for fostering trust and ensuring children understand their parents’ positions on substance use.
Setting expectations regarding behavior, particularly for teenagers, is crucial for their safety and well-being.
Parents should also review strategies with their children to resist peer pressure related to drinking or substance misuse.
Observing how a child reacts in different situations, especially in environments with alcohol, is important for providing appropriate support during the festival experience.
Beyond managing noise and safety, Dr. Block shares additional tips for a successful festival outing.
Staying hydrated and being mindful of heat-related illnesses should be a priority, particularly for young children.
Frequent reapplication of water-resistant sunscreen is necessary, even at outdoor events, to prevent sunburn.
Given Seattle’s unpredictable weather, packing an emergency rain poncho alongside sun gear can be a smart move.
Having a designated meetup spot is essential in case families get separated in the crowd, as mobile phones may not always work reliably in these situations.
Planning to leave early if children become overstimulated is a practical strategy for maintaining happiness and comfort.
Ultimately, Dr. Block encourages parents to have fun and embrace the joy of attending festivals with their kids.
Besides safety advice, you can find more resources from Dr. Block and Kaiser Permanente in Seattle’s Child, covering topics such as HPV vaccines, addressing speech concerns, and coping with parental burnout.
Families can also explore upcoming summer festivals and events in the local ‘Things to Do’ section, ensuring they can create wonderful memories together.
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