Other parents are weird
Filed under: Outings, Marketing to kids
When I'm not parenting, or writing about parenting, I spend a lot of time making and promoting wacky performances in Austin (where I live). More often than not, the shows are for grown-ups only, but the one we're performing this weekend is actually kid-friendly.
Or, at least, I think it's kid-friendly. I'm discovering, however, that other parents might not be so sure. I've been interrogated over the phone by a number of surprisingly aggressive moms who seem to think I'm luring their children to some sadistic rock n' roll sex ritual. When I tell them that "I'm bringing my 3-year-old" they get frustrated that they show might be boring for adults -- but when I assure them that "the show was created for grown-ups, it just happens to be something kids would enjoy" they get suspicious that it must, therefore, involve the aforementioned rituals of sex, sadism, and the devil's rock music.
And I understand. Edan and I often go to kid-centric events that would be mind-numbingly boring if she wasn't having such a good time, and most of the things I find interesting and compelling contain themes, language, or ideas that might be a little beyond the maturity and/or intellectual capacity of a toddler.
But is it really such a minefield out there? Do other people really market events to families and children that might be offensive? Have you ever been suckered into something that was inappropriate for your child?
At first I thought all the other parents were weirdos, but I'm starting to think it must be me.
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