My spouse is employed in the music sector and enjoys playing various music genres at our residence. We possess an extensive collection of records that we store in the living area.
Approximately eight months back, my youngest child (currently 3-and-a-half years old) developed a keen interest in metal music. His favorite artists include Alice Cooper, Rob Zombie, and Ozzy Osbourne. He frequently requests Alexa to play their music whenever he is not at daycare. He takes out their records and gazes at the album covers, particularly favoring those with a spooky appearance and makeup. Whenever we attempt to guide him towards more wholesome content, he reacts strongly (which seems to heighten his fascination). I have two primary concerns:
To what extent can explicit lyrics in metal music impact a child? Metal music is often characterized by graphic or sexual content in its lyrics. While he may not fully grasp many of the references at his young age, he is beginning to learn the actual words and not just mimic the songs phonetically.
Dealing with external perceptions. It is challenging to explain to the daycare that when he sings, “You’re a high class tramp,” it originates from his favorite music, and we are hesitant to restrict it.
—Seeking Guidance on Heavy Metal Influence
Dear Concerned Parent,
Why do you find it challenging to communicate this to the daycare? Numerous songs contain lyrics that may be deemed “inappropriate” for children, and unless parents limit their children’s exposure to exclusively kid-friendly music, they are likely to sing snippets of various songs that may seem out of place coming from young ones. It’s perfectly acceptable to attribute his interest in metal music as a phase without any need for concern.
It’s not surprising that he is captivated by the album covers, as some children are drawn to eerie imagery. Attempting to steer him towards what you consider “more wholesome” music may inadvertently make the metal music more appealing. Instead, expose him to a wide range of music genres that you enjoy. Eventually, his musical preferences will evolve. Furthermore, it’s essential to have conversations with him about the appropriateness of certain language in different settings. As long as his daycare does not enforce strict language guidelines, his singing should not cause alarm.
Regarding the potential harm of explicit lyrics, words themselves are not harmful unless used in a harmful manner. Exposure to songs with references to sex or violence does not necessarily lead to desensitization or aggressive behavior. It is advisable to balance his music diet with a variety of genres to provide a well-rounded musical experience.
—Michelle
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