You probably grew up thinking it was impossible for anyone to NOT know who The Beatles are. But life changes quickly when you grow up.
In fact, there are moments in your life when you realize you’re not just growing up but that you’re done. You’re grown. It’s all downhill from here. Those moments usually come in the form of pop culture references.
Remember the first time you heard about Ariana Grande and you thought it was a new drink at Starbucks? And remember when you mentioned the Beatles at work and your youngest co-worker asked you who they were?
I bet you died a little inside. I know I did.
Just a few days ago, I wrote about the thrill of taking my son, Evan, to New York City and then becoming surprised when he didn’t get excited over Radio City Music Hall. Because he had never heard of it.
It’s our job as parents to keep them informed and educated in the recent history that became the foundation for today’s pop culture. And that includes introducing them to The Beatles.
I thought I had done a good job until I mentioned the Beatles and Evan got a blank stare. He had heard of the group but couldn’t place any of the tunes. So I made him sit and listen to some highlights. Many highlights. I won’t say exactly what happened but it kind of went something like this.
He wasn’t impressed. It might have had something to do with my accompaniment. Might. I can’t say for sure.
He’s at this age where he’s not a little kid but he’s not that interested in teen stuff. I suspect his time will come with Beatles music but you don’t have to let this be you. Don’t make the same parenting mistakes. Start your kids young.
With the new Netflix original series Beat Bugs, inspired by the music of the Beatles, your next family sing-along can be “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Thanks to five charming and energetic bug-like creatures (Jay, Kumi, Crick, Buzz and Walter), families have the opportunity to come together over kid-friendly storylines and the best damn music ever made — recorded by today’s top artists, including Jennifer Hudson, P!nk, Sia and Eddie Vedder.
Are you worried that John Lennon may be turning in his grave? Maybe. But he certainly could have been a grandfather by now. And even if you are a music snob, it’s a gift to be able to pass music down to your children.
Some of the best family moments happen over music and entertainment. It’s why 40% of families say they routinely watch all sorts of shows together. It’s also why you grow nostalgic for the music your parents loved and eventually want to pass it down to your kids as well. To this day, I think of my mother every time I hear Paul McCartney’s “Silly Love Songs.”
And for the record, I did make Evan watch at least part of the show which he was able to tolerate and told me that it would be a great show for younger kids. Maybe I’ll sneak it on in the background sometime and watch the musical memories begin.
This post was written as part of my role on the Netflix Stream Team. Topics, selections, and all opinions are my own.
