Written by: Autumn Stone
EDM is for any age if you really think about it. A lot of the music is beat oriented so it’s not surprising that kids like beep boop music just as much as we do. In an article by Amanda Mahon, it’s stated that “EDM music mimics aspects of lullabies and nursery rhymes with repetitive beats and rhythms. Listening to EDM music can help develop a baby’s ability to hear patterns and sharpen their auditory processing and discrimination skills.” I found her article very interesting and it opened my eyes to the impact EDM music has on the development of a child’s brain.
Obviously listening to EDM at home or in the car is a completely different experience than what they’ll be exposed to at a festival. A festival can be an intense atmosphere for a kid. There’s so many dramatic lights and lasers, a bunch of colors throughout the sea of people, let alone the character dancers bringing the theme to life, crazy weather changes, and definitely louder than normal music. I think it’s important to prepare them beforehand for what they will experience so they are better prepared for the venture ahead. There’s an article I read entitled “Tips for Bringing Kids to Festivals” that lays out a great guide to help you and your family prepare. It mainly speaks on local community festivals, but I think it’s useful for big music festivals as well. I would however add to their list. The raver edition would include, the importance of ear protection, open spaces vs heavy crowds, toys & trinkets, being ready for the good and the bad, and leaving an open door policy to questions your child may ask.
Something you can’t always prepare them for is the people unfortunately. Most are excited to teach our ways to the tiny ravers and make them feel welcomed into our community. It’s such a wholesome moment that is truly amazing to see. However, there are some that may feel uneasy or uncomfortable with the situation.
EDM festivals are often labeled as a place for doing illicit activities which isn’t totally an incorrect assumption. If a child is unsupervised around all that tom foolery, then I can see why we as a society would be concerned. On the flip side, I personally believe that with active parents watching their child and making sure they stay safe, then who are any of us to judge especially if that particular music festival made it an all ages event?
There are a number of festivals and smaller shows that are all ages and even have activities that are kid friendly! My favorite festival of all time and is an all ages event, is Electric Forest. This festival is full of interactive activities, art installations, and so much more that any kid would be enchanted by. If you have experienced the magic of the forest, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. From the giving tree, to the scavenger hunt, to the dream emporium, to exploring the grounds for fairy doors, I don’t think any other festival can top this one as a great place to bring your kid for their first festival.
To end, I want to commend all of you parents out there. You have the hardest job of all and I salute you! I hope that our community continues to spread PLUR to the next generation this festival season and I can’t wait to see you all out there!
With luv,
Autumn Stone