Watching concerts with the kids

Once in a while, we bring the kids, including Amber, to catch a musical, drama or concert to expose them to the more artistic, right-brained side of life. For example, yesterday we all went to watch an SSO concert at the Esplanade which was not bad. It's part of their Casual Concert series which features easy listening classical music from popular composers. There is even a Q&A session towards the end and a very entertaining commentator which drew lots of laughter. The problem was yesterday's selection of music was more mellow, soothing, sleepy which is perfect for people to snooze. This also ensured that the audience could clearly hear every other sound that came from other members of the audience.

Back to the kids. They sat still and listened intently for the first 10 mins. After that, there were whispered questions ("Daddy, what time is it?", "Mummy, why is that man walking around with a light?", "Can I drink water?", "Is it nighttime outside?" ), seat tapping/rocking and Over-Clapping.

What is Over-Clapping? That is when you keep on clapping even when the general applause if over. Nigel (and Amber later) feel like they need to have the last clap (or three). It is embarrassing, and is the one sure way of drawing attention to yourself, and your parents. It is at times like these when I wish I had a club - not a membership to a swimming pool or a disco, but a hard piece of tree bark.

But I do hope something did make it into the right side of their brains, even a quaver or semi-quaver. But I would actually settle for a rest.