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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To take a 6yo to see RENT

45 replies

OhisHOME · 10/02/2017 23:08

She loves all musicals she's seen the live on broadway version. Would it be a total parenting fail?

OP posts:
yorkshapudding · 11/02/2017 08:01

All the people saying "it will go over her head", how do you know?? Some children of that age are very inquisitive and if they hear or see something they don't understand they will ask about it, although maybe not right away. I remember my DN asking us what a prostitiute was when she was six. Turns out there had been something on the radio the day before about a legalising prostitution, SIL hadn't realised she was listening as it was on in the background while they were baking but she'd clearly absorbed it.
So I would say, no, Rent isn't suitable unless you're prepared to have a frank conversation with your 6yo about sex, suicide, drug addiction and aids. Or for them to say something to their teacher/granny/next door neighbour about any of those topics at some point!

MaisyPops · 11/02/2017 08:14

She wont unserstand the references to sex and drugs etc, but then if she doesn't unserstand it then what's the point in taking her. Those storylines are qhat makes the ploy moving.

Take her to something she will unserstand and save RENT for when she's old enough to understand and really engage with it

girlelephant · 11/02/2017 08:19

I adore Rent but it's not appropriate for children

NellysKnickers · 11/02/2017 08:23

Only you can decide but please don't be one of those parents who gazes adoringly at their child whilst they shuffle, whinge, sing, talk and generally be a PITA to others seated around them in the theatre.

ReggaeShark · 11/02/2017 08:24

You won't be able to hear the show for all the tutting going on around you.

NellysKnickers · 11/02/2017 08:25

Just for the record, I have a 6 year old who would do all those things I've listed above which is why I would not dream of taking him to an ADULT theatre show

BowiesJumper · 11/02/2017 08:30

Rent is also my favourite musical. Saw it about 10 times back in the 90's/00's with the original cast and then the uk cast. Ah them were the days.

Not suitable for a 6 year old though! Not just the sex song (hot hot hot red heat with all the groaning and grinding) which may go over their head, but the deaths etc are really sad.

LovesRecovery · 11/02/2017 09:07

I love love love Rent, but I got a sitter for my 6-year-old this time around and I'm glad I did. It was fab btw!

Leggit · 11/02/2017 09:14

Oh Jesus. No. Not suitable for a 6 year old in any way. Why don't you take your 6yo to age appropriate things she would enjoy? I'm not sure how taking her to a show where everything goes over her head would be enjoyable for her Confused

WindwardCircle · 11/02/2017 09:30

I wouldn't take a six year old to see Rent, and I'm fairly lax about that kind of thing. My DD saw Spamalot at four (and again at eight) Les Mis at five, watched the new TV version of Rocky Horror just before she turned nine and at nine is in Sweeny Todd. Rent is just a bit too adult and serious for young children.

SussexBonfireViking · 11/02/2017 09:39

i went to see a grown up show *not a musical, but still very grown up

there were children there and i felt very uncomfortable when one of the male leads was prancing around naked, completely inappropriate

SalemSaberhagen · 11/02/2017 09:49

As a PP said, she is your 6 year old DD, not a mate. Why do you have to go with her?

I suspect this is one of those 'OP: AIBU? Everyone else: YABU, OP: well I'm going to do it anyway' type of threads

AwaywiththePixies27 · 11/02/2017 09:51

I'd check with the theatre if I was you OP. They may not allow her in at that age.

I say that as DD adores going like I do and I was looking for something we could both go to together. One of the shows currently on states 11+ only. Just because the show contains swearing. I imagine rent contains a hell of a lot more given by PPs.

AwaywiththePixies27 · 11/02/2017 09:59

Can you not get a babysitter and go see it on your own OP?

I know there's this weird notion that you need to go with someone. But none of my friends or family are 'theatre' people apart from my Gran who I do go with occasionally when she's not too busy. But I have been to the cinemas on my own, and also to the theatre, I went on a whim when I friend had to cancel out night out last minute. I'd already made childcare plans and everything and wasn't going home after half an hour.

IIRC it was swan lake that was on (several years ago now) and I got a reduced ticket as the show was just about to start. I sat squished up on the only empty chair on the end and quite happily watched it by myself. Smile

DaisyDando · 11/02/2017 10:04

Don't be silly.

Rickandmorty · 11/02/2017 10:19

I just bought matinee tickets for this in the hopes that people wouldn't take their kids! I think rent is a step too far for a 6 year old.

AwkwardSquad · 11/02/2017 11:11

I think it's a bit much for a six year old. And anyway, surely it would affect your enjoyment, as you'd have to be aware of your daughter's reactions rather than being able to relax into the performance?

Niskayuna · 11/02/2017 12:55

What is with people thinking their little kids are their friends?

Would you take her out for cocktails? Rally driving weekend? To a work conference?

Find friends your own age to do adult things with.

EveningShadows · 11/02/2017 13:00

Yes, it would be a massive parenting fail.

Why on earth do u want to expose her to so many adult themes at 6?

If the theatre doesn't have an age limit I wish they did, to protect young children from their parents inability to parent.

OhisHOME · 11/02/2017 20:13

No I know she's a child & not my friend but she's such a musical fan I feel bad going to see one without her, but she'll live though!

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