My 3-Year-Old Attends Concerts Without Worrying About Bedtimes
A parent shares why bringing her toddler to concerts works for her family.
1A Passion for Live Events
Jessica Pate Thibault and her partner have always enjoyed attending live events, festivals, and concerts. Living in a city with numerous nearby events, they’ve made it a priority to continue this lifestyle even after having a child. Instead of limiting themselves to kid-focused activities, they bring their toddler to evening concerts featuring their favorite bands and performers. This approach reflects their belief that parenting doesn’t mean giving up personal interests.
2Challenges of Finding Like-Minded Parents
Jessica admits it’s been isolating at times, as few parent friends share their enthusiasm for late-night outings. Many parents prioritize bedtime routines or struggle to secure childcare for evening events. While Jessica understands these concerns, she and her partner choose not to let these obstacles hold them back. They’ve embraced their unique parenting style, even if it means often attending events without other families.
3Toddler’s Love for Concerts
Their daughter has been attending concerts since she was a year old, wearing protective headphones to safeguard her hearing. She’s danced joyfully at events featuring artists like Tyler Rich, Keith Urban, and Gwen Stefani. While she occasionally falls asleep or needs a break, she’s generally engaged and enjoys interacting with people around her. Jessica sees these experiences as valuable opportunities for her daughter to explore the world.
4Balancing Family and Personal Time
Not every concert is toddler-friendly. Jessica and her partner have occasionally hired babysitters for adult-only events, such as Kesha or Pitbull concerts. However, for most big evening events, they bring their daughter along. This decision simplifies logistics, as securing a sitter can be costly and complex. Jessica believes the benefits of shared experiences outweigh the occasional disruption to their daughter’s sleep schedule.
5Logistical Considerations
Jessica explains that estimating concert timings, navigating traffic, and coordinating with babysitters can be stressful. Bringing their toddler eliminates these challenges and reduces costs. While some parents might prioritize strict routines, Jessica and her partner value flexibility. They’ve found that their daughter thrives in these environments, making the logistical trade-offs worthwhile.
6Post-COVID Joy in Shared Experiences
After years of COVID restrictions, Jessica cherishes the opportunity to attend live events with her family. She finds joy in watching her daughter engage with music and energetic crowds. These shared experiences have strengthened their family bond and created lasting memories. Jessica believes that occasional late nights are a small price to pay for these enriching moments.
7Pediatrician’s Approval
Jessica consulted a pediatric sleep expert to ensure their approach wasn’t harmful. The consultant reassured her that occasional disruptions to their daughter’s sleep schedule are fine. This validation has reinforced Jessica’s confidence in their parenting choices. She emphasizes that every family’s needs are different and encourages others to find what works best for them.
8Embracing Non-Traditional Parenting
Jessica’s story highlights the importance of staying true to personal values while parenting. By integrating their love for live events into their family life, they’ve created a unique and fulfilling dynamic. Jessica’s experience serves as a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, and flexibility can lead to meaningful family experiences.
Original article: Business Insider — My 3-Year-Old Attends Concerts Without Worrying About Bedtimes