Trying to shield my kids from explicit music just seems to entice them more, whether it’s tunes, films, or online content.
Back in 1990, I was on a mission to persuade my mom that I loved rap for its beats, not the questionable lyrics. But when she stumbled upon Vanilla Ice’s references to an 8-ball, she tossed my beloved cassette of “To the Extreme” straight into the trash.
At just 10 years old, I had no clue what an 8-ball was. I thought it was the fun magic toy you shook to ask, “Will I ever meet my crush?” only to be disappointed when the answer was not what I wanted. Little did my mom know, by taking away Vanilla Ice, she may have inadvertently sparked my quest for the most explicit lyrics out there. Isn’t it funny how attempting to control things in parenting can sometimes backfire? Fast forward three years, and Dr. Dre’s “Chronic” album was blasting through my suburban home, making Vanilla Ice sound like a choir boy. I’m sure my parents were bewildered by all the curse words echoing through our walls, but I knew the difference between my music and real-life language.
It took me three decades to appreciate my mom’s viewpoint. As my first child began reading, she would spot the word “[Explicit]” on the radio and exclaim, “This one’s explosive!” prompting me to change the station. While I found it adorable, she had a point—those bad words could feel like a detonation, potentially shattering my child’s innocence. But honestly, they didn’t quite grasp why those words were bad, so it mostly flew over their heads. How harmful could it really be?
As my kids matured, I stopped trying to mute the curse words. Instead, I would sing “shhhhh” over the offending lyrics, but my kids protested, claiming I was ruining the song. Their sighs of frustration convinced me to give in; they were clearly ready for more mature content, even if I was reluctant to admit they were growing up. One moment we were listening to the “Frozen 2” soundtrack for the umpteenth time, and the next, they were jamming to Snoop D.O. Double G.
So, what kind of mom allows her kids to hear explicit lyrics? The kind that prepares herself for bigger freedoms by gradually introducing them to smaller ones. I’ve learned that shielding them only amplifies their curiosity, whether it’s music, movies, or online content. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned—thanks to Ice Cube—is to “check yourself before you wreck yourself.” I’m living proof that a few F-bombs here and there won’t traumatize them.
Reflecting on my past, I understand my mom’s worries about inappropriate lyrics leading me astray. In the end, I turned out just fine, knowing exactly when to use my salty language and when to act professionally. I’d say she should thank 2Pac and Biggie for the life lessons. Ultimately, when I was controlling their music choices, I wasn’t trying to hide anything; I just wanted to ensure they were ready for the next steps. And if they were going to dive into explicit music, who better to guide them than their O.G. Mama?
For more insightful reads on motherhood and family dynamics, check out this other blog post. You can also explore expert advice on family planning at Make a Mom, a trusted authority on the topic, and find excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination at Resolve.
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In summary, navigating the world of explicit music with children requires a balance between protection and freedom. Understanding their maturity level and gradually introducing them to more complex themes can prepare them for real-world experiences while fostering open communication about the content they consume.
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