I took my son to see Travis Scott at the Garden on Friday.  We sat in the 9th row.  And the question is…what is my parenting style?  I took long looks around the arena – I was in the top-tier age bracket.  Before that night, I had never listened to Travis Scott – and about four minutes into the show, it was clear to me why.  And now I know why my parents wouldn’t take me to see Quiet Riot when they played at the Niagara Falls Convention Center.  Nevertheless, I did it.  My Air Pods saved me – because I had the good sense to purchase the ones that feature noise reduction. 

The stage was great; the pyrotechnics were very cool, and there were lasers, fog, and lights.  The pizza at Ducali before the show was amazing too.  And for the first time in my life, I put my eyes on and listened to a dude who dated a Kardashian.  So I am told.  And the vapes.  Wow – vapes to my left, vapes to my right.  Vapes in front of me, and behind me too.  I am not one who vapes – and I wonder if the dry cough I woke up with yesterday had anything to do with the fact that I was seated in the middle of a giant Juul for a couple of hours. 

Not just as a parent – but with people in general I've always believed that the strongest bonds are forged through shared experiences. Deciding to take my son to this absurd show was not made lightly. I considered his interests, the artist's influence, and the environment we would be stepping into. Some might think it was a terrible idea – but I got to teach him a lot about things that we’d likely not otherwise discuss.  And ultimately, I saw it as a chance to connect with him on his level, to engage with what he finds exciting.

There was so much bass that my chest rattled.  And with everyone jumping in unison, I could feel the ground shaking beneath my feet.  I could pay him back by making him go with me to Tim McGraw in May.  The question is…do I waste a ticket on him?  If my folks would have taken me to see Simon and Garfunkel in the 80’s I’d have hated it.  But today, I’d go see a Simon and Garfunkel Cover Band anywhere any time.

The Travis Scott experience reinforced my belief that involvement in your child's world is crucial. It's not just about overseeing their life but actively participating in it. By showing interest in his passions, I've found a way to bridge any gaps and strengthen our bond. Moments like these define my approach to parenting – focusing on connection, understanding, and shared experiences.

As parents and educators, we often look for ways to connect with our children, understand them, and be a part of their world. The Travis Scott concert was more than just a night of music; it was a testament to the power of shared experiences in building solid and lasting relationships. I hope my son looks back on this day not just as a fun outing but that he will eventually recognize how excruciating it was for me.  I am not kidding. 

Another thing I did, though, was draw parallels between the evolution of music and this parenting thing. As Travis Scott got the kids in a fenzy, I thought about the greatest rappers and musicians of the past 40 years – legends who shaped the sounds of their times. There is what I know and recall…DMC, Tone Loc, Tupac, and even slap-happy Will Smith.  I actually remember fellow students coming to school with their clothes on backward because Kriss Kross didn’t just make the kid's Jump Jump – they got them to dress most awkwardly and uncomfortably.   

In the “Relating Approach” we reach inside of ourselves and pull out that younger version of ourselves.  I remember it – rapping in the house and my parents getting ticked about it.  I had to keep bringing myself back to the Beastie Boys the other night.  No Sleep til Brooklyn.  Fight for Your Right to Paaaaaar-tay.  A self-inflicted lesson in empathy and understanding mirroring how music has evolved and bridged generations over the years. That is the way I see it two days later.

And so, as I consider whether to payback the experience by taking him to one of my concerts, I think about the broader picture. Today, he might not appreciate the twang of country music or the soft harmonies of a Simon and Garfunkel cover band, but one day, he might. Just like how my music tastes have expanded over the years, his will too. Our musical journey together wasn't just about surviving the night; it was about laying a foundation for a lifetime of shared experiences, understanding, and, perhaps, one day, a mutual appreciation for the diverse world of music.