I must confess, while I am a fan of NickJr’s no-commercial, preschool cable channel, one of their programs I’m less than fond of is Yo Gabba Gabba. So when I was presented the opportunity to take my 3 year old girl to their live concert event, I’d be lying to say I was completely thrilled.
It turns out, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience! My head did not explode nor my brains turn to jelly. Here’s a simple survival tip for other dads out there presented with a similar opportunity: Remember, this isn’t about the show… it’s about a shared experience with your child.
What I found was, I watched almost none of the show. Instead I focused upon my daughter and her reaction to the experience. In all things, whether it’s the wonders of nature or a man-made spectacle of this sort, there is nothing like seeing the world through the joy filled eyes of a child.
Watch my daughter’s reaction to the “snow”:
Older parents whose kids are grown and gone never fail to say, “time passes so fast.” And it does, doesn’t it? I for one do not want to miss opportunities to share experiences with my daughter. Too soon, that inevitable day will arrive when she says, “thanks dad, but I’d rather go with my friends.”
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Shannon
December 7, 2011 at 4:42 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
What a lucky girl she is to have a daddy that wants to go with her to things, and spends so much quality time with her. I cannot begin to imagine how much that will effect her as she grows up, surely though it will impact her in such a wonderful way!
Michael Schmid
December 7, 2011 at 6:43 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thank you so much, Shannon. I’m definitely a work in process as a dad. She certainly, though, could not be more loved by her parents.
I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have such a wonderful wife and daughter.
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niel (@GMIBadParenting)
December 7, 2011 at 10:45 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
We took our daughter to YGG live last year and it was pretty amazing (her reaction not the show). But I will admit I did enjoy the show, I was singing along. Come on who doesn’t like the song “Eat”.
Michael Schmid
December 8, 2011 at 2:44 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Right? Watching our kids reactions is the best part! The show did do a good job, and it was mercifully short (in deference to the wee ones in the audience). Thanks so much for dropping by, Niel!
Michael Schmid recently posted..Empty Chairs at the Thanksgiving Table
Leah
December 8, 2011 at 10:55 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
What wise advice you have given here. I really loved the video though; her reaction to the falling snow is awesome. Such priceless moments and memories are being shared!
Michael Schmid
December 8, 2011 at 2:46 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Hi, Leah. Thank you. Yes, I teared up the first time I watched the video. I’m so happy I managed to capture that on my iPhone. As you well know, they grow up so fast. I really appreciate you dropping by and commenting.
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Mitchell - Home Fitness Manual
December 9, 2011 at 9:49 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Micheal,
My wife has taken our daughters to the Yo Gabba Gabba tour twice, the first tour a couple years back, and this latest tour.
It’s a great memory for all three of them. The littlest one was just a year old, so she probably has a hazy memory of the first time. But now that she’s three and got to see her favorite character, Brobee, in person, again, she’s still so happy.
-Mitchell
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Michael Schmid
December 9, 2011 at 10:58 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Hey, Mitchell. My daughter (who is also three, same as your youngest) had a ball. Although she was wearing a Toodee hoodie to the concert, she said her favorite character is Foofa. Big surprise; she’s pink, and my little girl is all about pink. Oddly I’ve not pushed stereotypes like that on her, but it’s still her fave.
p.s. On an unrelated note, I’ve just started working with a personal fitness trainer, and have subscribed to your RSS. Thanks for stopping by.
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Mitchell - Home Fitness Manual
December 9, 2011 at 1:11 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
My oldest (6 y.o.) is the foofa fan. She’s all about pink as well. Very much the princess. But since she’s learned blue is my wife and I’s favorite color, she now have two favorite colors.
Best of wishes on your fitness aspirations for the coming year, and thanks for adding my RSS.
Michael Schmid
December 13, 2011 at 1:04 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thanks, Mitchell.
My first two weeks with the personal trainer are kicking my butt, but it’s got plenty of padding so I’ll live.
~Michael
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Terri's Little Haven
December 9, 2011 at 2:48 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
AWWW you were very sweet to take her for HER. My kids are grown and I miss doing everything with them. Luckily they gave me grand-kids who love to go everywhere with me. Love the video, your daughter is precious.
Michael Schmid
December 12, 2011 at 11:31 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thank you so much, Terri. I was really happy to have caught that video clip of her in the “snow”. Yes, grandkids are a second blessing… plus, you can give them back when you finish spoiling them?
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JDaniel4's Mom
December 11, 2011 at 7:02 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
It must have been truly wonderful to see the show through her eyes.
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Michael Schmid
December 12, 2011 at 11:57 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
It really was, Deidre. Thank you.
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Michael
February 9, 2012 at 10:32 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Hey Michael,
I am actually a fan of YoGabbaGabba. I guess you can say it grew on me since all my kids watch it. I actually ended up buying my 3 year old daughter a small foofa doll (the pink one) today. However, your article was really touching and you are absolutely correct about the quality time spent with your daughter and what that experience means for the both of you. I myself missed the chance to go see this show with my daughter Live when it was here in my area, but Im sure Ill get the chance soon enough and share my experience as well. Great articles, keep up the great work.
Michael Schmid
February 10, 2012 at 12:47 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thanks, Michael. My daughter wore a Toodee hoodie to the concert, but her favorite is Foofa, too.
The things we never thought we’d know a few years ago. Definitely try to take her if it comes back to town. As I said, I watched almost none of the show, but had such fun with the shared experience, and watching the joy in my little girl’s eyes.
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Michael
February 12, 2012 at 10:55 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I definitely will. I watch her and her baby sister sit through the show on television, I can only imagine the excitement and joy they would have seeing it Live. Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us.
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David F. Weiss
February 11, 2012 at 8:20 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Around the same time you were taking your 3 year old girl to see Yo Gabba Gabba, I was taking my 2 year old girl, along with my wife, to see Barney Live! I couldn’t stand Barney before my daughter started watching him. As months past, I realized there are a lot worse things for her to watch and after all, it makes her happy. So when I found out Barney was coming to a venue near me, on my birthday no less, I tipped my cap to the man upstairs for his sense of humor and bought the tickets right away. Being able to see my little girl as happy as can be was the best birthday gift of all!
Michael Schmid
March 19, 2012 at 12:59 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Good for you, David. Yeah, it’s wonderful seeing them so happy, isn’t it? You know what’s funny? I sing the “I love you, you love me,… ” Barney song to my daughter as the last thing I do each night before turning off the light and closing her door… and I felt about the same way as you about Barney before she came along. How things change.
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Best Toys
February 28, 2012 at 9:32 am (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I am not a fan of YoGabbaGabba but my three year old daughter is. I guess I will see the for a long time.
Michael Schmid
March 19, 2012 at 12:57 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Honestly, you don’t have to watch the show. Just watch your 3 year old girl, and the joy in her eyes will be reward enough for taking her.
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Elizabeth P. Carter
April 18, 2012 at 10:51 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Hi…I am really inspired a lot because of your post here…
Michael Schmid
May 2, 2012 at 1:10 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thanks so much, Elizabeth. I find great inspiration in so many peoples blogs, so I’m happy if I provide a little to others.
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Mark D.French
May 23, 2012 at 11:11 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
The show is a great bonding for every family .Continue a great job.
Michael Schmid
November 26, 2012 at 9:54 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thanks, Mark. We had a great time!
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Jose Edgardo
September 11, 2012 at 10:41 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I think, your observation is perfect, and I’m with you. Also i think that, your daughter is very smart.
Michael Schmid
November 26, 2012 at 9:55 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I’m pretty sure she’s smarter than I am, Jose. Thanks for dropping by.
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Dear Google: Stop Posting Pictures of Witches on my Blog
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