Raising Rockers: Sharing Music With Your Kids

Throughout my life, music has always been a constant companion. My childhood is filled with cherished memories of musical moments, whether it was my mum dancing exuberantly to Cotton-Eyed Joe in the kitchen, my dad rocking (at least trying to rock) Eminem's iconic bleached hair look in the early 2000s, or marveling at my friend's older brother masterfully playing Sweet Child O' Mine on the guitar. Music has always been a significant part of my core memories, of who I am.

After completing my studies in music and music technology at college and earning certificates in both, I ventured into my other life passion, the world of computers and technology. Despite this career shift, my passion for music, particularly metal, never faded. As someone who can play multiple instruments, my musical preferences span across various genres – from house, drum and bass, and dubstep to Motown, jazz, and classical. Yet, metal has always occupied a unique and special place in my heart, with bands like Linkin Park and Slipknot ranking as my all-time favorites.

I was fortunate enough to see Linkin Park live before Chester's untimely passing – an experience I'll never forget. Now, as a father, I've come to realize that my love for metal music seems to be a legacy passed down from one generation to the next. My oldest son has recently developed a love for Slipknot and Linkin Park, and I can't help but beam with pride (and maybe a little bit of relief that he shares my taste in music).

Seeing my little one enthusiastically sing and softly mimic metal screams is both endearing and hilarious. These moments highlight the happiness music can introduce into our lives and the bonds it can create across generations. Being a parent is an emotional whirlwind, a mix of highs and lows, smiles and tears. However, as my son grows older, I notice the tender moments between us occurring more often, and our bond only becomes more robust. This underscores the impact of shared interests and the love that intertwines with our lives.

I often wonder what it must have been like for my parents to raise me and watch me grow up with such a passion for music. My dad, who passed away when I was 17, had a love for music too and definitely influenced my musical tastes. I wish I could talk to him about it all as I'm sure he'd have loved to see it, and have some great stories to share.

So here's to the wild, wonderful, and sometimes chaotic journey of parenthood – filled with the soundtrack of our lives. May we continue to embrace the love, laughter, and metal madness that make our family unique, and cherish the moments that bring us closer together.