Do you have a short-term foster child within your care and you are getting ready to take them to their first live concert? Concerts are a great way to deepen your appreciation of a particular genre of music or an artist/band, and they are a true experience. Most people remember their first concert for a lifetime, so it’s natural you want to make it as positive of an experience as possible. With that said, there are a few tips you can use that will help make their first concert one of the best, if not the best, they will attend ever.
Get Their Input On Who They Want to See
Rather than assume that your foster child will “love” a particular artist or band, ask who their favorites are. What style of music do they like listening to?
While their choice may not be your cup of tea, this experience is meant for them. When short-term fostering, your time with the child is much less, so rather than make guesses just ask them. At the same time, you want to be sure the lyrics and content are age-appropriate, as is the concert experience for a child of their age. Some performers are known for providing a more family-friendly atmosphere than others.
Don’t Worry About How Close the Seats Are
People often get caught up in getting the “best seats” and the closest seats, and while that makes sense for adults for a kid, tween, or teen attending their first concert, closer isn’t necessarily better. Being part of the area where there is stage-diving or crowd-surfing would not be advisable. You’re safer to stay away from the craziness and pick seats further back.
Ear Protection Can Be Helpful for Younger Kids
If your foster child isn’t quite a tween or teen yet or is sensitive to loud noises, it’s best to take ear protection. They will still hear the music but at a much softer and more comfortable level for them. Ensure you try the ear protection on and check the fit before the concert. Look for headphones that go over the head, cover the entire ear, and are padded and adjustable for comfort.
Don’t Be Surprised If They Want Fan Gear
And when it comes to the outfit they will wear for the concert, don’t be surprised if they want fan gear with a concert t-shirt usually being the most popular. While you can purchase these at the venue, you’ll pay a lot more, and then you don’t have it beforehand. It is best to find something before the concert date.
Not Yet a Short-Term Foster Carer?
Perhaps you aren’t yet a foster carer but it’s something you have had an interest in for quite some time now. A good place to start is researching the types of fostering you can apply for and comparing them such as short-term fostering versus long-term, temporary, emergency, and so forth. There are so many different types available, there is bound to be one that fits your lifestyle.
Giving Kids a Positive Experience
Each of these tips will help ensure that your short-term foster child enjoys a positive first concert experience that helps them to appreciate music even more.
