I’m a bad mom—there I said it!
I’m sure you are wondering why I would randomly admit to something that most moms would never dear to think, let alone admit…in writing…on a blog read by thousands of people each month. Actually now that I think about it maybe it wasn’t the best idea—of well, shit happens I guess.
So my kids love Eminem—no, no, not his violent, hate-filled, “ My moms a skank and I don’t care who knows it!” early albums, but his newest album and more specifically the song “I’m Not Afraid”. Now I will be the first to admit that I love Eminem, I find his words compelling, sad and often encouraging, I just think he gets a bad rep. Sure he has said and done things that have made me question his sanity (more than once) but as an artist he is one of the best the rap world has ever seen!
So we’re driving in the car yesterday and “I’m Not Afraid” comes on the radio and not one, not two, but all four of my kids start rapping along with Eminem—it was one of those moments when I wasn’t sure if I should smile or be mortified. To be honest the song is amazing and the radio version (aka the version that has all of the good parts bleeped out) isn’t terrible, so why should I feel bad that my kids love this song? To be honest I don’t feel bad that they know this song, but would I admit that to other moms ? I guess I kinda just did.
You may have to go to YouTube to watch it, but it’s worth it! The song is about him getting clean and not being afraid to admit that he did have a problem, got help and now wants to help other people who are in the same situation get their lives together!
I’m sure you are wondering why I would randomly admit to something that most moms would never dear to think, let alone admit…in writing…on a blog read by thousands of people each month. Actually now that I think about it maybe it wasn’t the best idea—of well, shit happens I guess.
So my kids love Eminem—no, no, not his violent, hate-filled, “ My moms a skank and I don’t care who knows it!” early albums, but his newest album and more specifically the song “I’m Not Afraid”. Now I will be the first to admit that I love Eminem, I find his words compelling, sad and often encouraging, I just think he gets a bad rep. Sure he has said and done things that have made me question his sanity (more than once) but as an artist he is one of the best the rap world has ever seen!
So we’re driving in the car yesterday and “I’m Not Afraid” comes on the radio and not one, not two, but all four of my kids start rapping along with Eminem—it was one of those moments when I wasn’t sure if I should smile or be mortified. To be honest the song is amazing and the radio version (aka the version that has all of the good parts bleeped out) isn’t terrible, so why should I feel bad that my kids love this song? To be honest I don’t feel bad that they know this song, but would I admit that to other moms ? I guess I kinda just did.
You may have to go to YouTube to watch it, but it’s worth it! The song is about him getting clean and not being afraid to admit that he did have a problem, got help and now wants to help other people who are in the same situation get their lives together!
I let my kids listen to anything and everything!!! Music is music and I want them to appreciate all of it! Plus I LOVE this song lmao!
ReplyDeleteBrittany I love you lol. This is EXACTLY how I feel word for word!
ReplyDeletewe don't do rap...although I do love me some old school Beastie Boys
ReplyDeleteI don't personally listen to much rap except for a handful of older songs that I really like. So, I don't see my son listening to it with me when he gets older.
ReplyDeleteWe don't do rap in our house. I honestly can't stand it, old school rap is one thing, but the new stuff is just too dirty, nasty, and not for my family.
ReplyDelete@Not So Average Mama- LOVE the Beastie Boys!
ReplyDelete@Sheilacakes- Rap is the type of music you either love it or hate it!
@ShawnAnn- While I respect that you feel rap is not a good fit for your family, not all rap is that way...most of it is (and I personally do not listen to it) but some of it is actually amazing!
To be honest, my kids listen to everything. My husband listens to old school rap, blues, jazz, hip hop, pop, r&b, reggae and the opposite side I listen to new rap, hard rock, alternative, pop, swing, golden oldies, and plenty of country. Our kids seem to get a little bit of everything and very little is censored. You just can't grow up in a bubble or life will smack the hell out of you when 18 rolls around.
ReplyDelete@ Cat- I agree completely.
ReplyDeleteI use to love Rap/Hip Hop a long time ago when it had true meaning. I'm all about expression but some of the rap that's currently out is way to much for my delicate little ears. Oh and letting your children listen to rap does not make you a bad mother.
ReplyDeleteI don't listen to, or allow my kids to listen to, anything that I wouldn't want repeated in front of my mom or my pastor. That being said, there are a variety of Christian genres that I do listen to, including rap, rock, metal, etc.
ReplyDeleteMusic is a way of expression and even though Eminem drops a couple of f-bombs along the way...he is still extremely talented! My kiddos listen to pop, grunge, rap, blues, hard rock, classical, and opera. We don't discriminate against a good song no matter what music genre it comes from.
ReplyDeleteI think "Not Afraid" is an awesome song, so I guess that makes me a bad mom too!
I haven't heard Eminem's new song yet. I let my kids listen to all kinds of music, as long as it's not too explicit. I've given you a blog award.
ReplyDeletehttp://heckofabunch.blogspot.com/2010/08/someone-thinks-my-blog-has-substance.html
My mom didn't censor what we listened to growing up, and I won't censor what my daughter listens to. I think being a responsible parent includes teaching them right from wrong, and that music is entertainment, not a guideline of how to behave.
ReplyDeleteI would let my kids listen to rap- as long as its not just F-bombs over and over - I wouldn't want them to repeat the bad words.
ReplyDeleteI listened to rap all the time when I was a kid because of my oldest brother- I grew up listening to Tupac and Biggie and I turned out fine.
I agree with Katie. Music is entertainment and shouldn't be what "raises" your kids.
My kids listen to everything that me or their dad listen to, and if the mood strikes us for that day to listen to rap we do. I love Eminem and do play him around my kids.
ReplyDeleteI honestly only tend to censor them when it comes to certain TV shows or movies and some video games. For example I love True Blood, but I won't let them watch that.
Every song, no matter the genre, is on a case-by-case basis for us.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this makes you a terrible mom at all. Parents have to have their own standards and everyones' are different! I'm sure other parents let their kids do things you never would ;)
ReplyDelete