Is your school holding a Christmas pageant, end-of-year show, ballet performance or piano recital? If you’re about to head off to watch your child perform, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are the top tips from parents for attending your child’s school concert.
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As a parent of two kids who have gone through — and are going through — secondary school, I’ve sat through plenty of end-of-year shows and holiday concerts over the years. There are definitely a few things worth doing to make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable, both for you and for the little (or not-so-little) performer you’re there to cheer on.
Top Tips From Parents For Attending Your Child’s School Concert
#1. Wear Layers
School auditoriums are almost always too warm, especially for winter shows, so layers you can add or remove make a big difference. That said, some venues run the opposite way, so it’s worth having a light sweater on hand in case the hall turns out to be chilly instead.
#2. Bring Cash
You’ll likely be glad of it for raffle tickets on the night, or if your child wants to grab a treat with friends afterwards.
#3. Park Strategically
This only works if you arrive early, but it’s worth a thought: park in a spot that makes your getaway easy at the end. You’ll want to slip away quickly rather than get stuck in a long line of cars leaving the car park — especially if you’ve brought younger siblings who are well past their bedtime and starting to droop.
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#4. Check the Photo and Video Policy
Check with your child’s school or creche whether it’s okay to take photos or video on the night — policies vary from school to school. According to the Irish Data Protection Commission, there’s nothing in GDPR that stops people taking photos at school events for purely personal use, as long as they aren’t published online or used commercially. Even so, always follow your own school’s specific guidance.
#5. Charge Your Devices in Advance
Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged before the show. If your battery isn’t what it used to be, bring a power bank so you’re not caught out at the exact moment your child takes the stage.
#6. Don’t Arrive Late
Arrive in good time — the later you get there, the further back (and further from the action) your seat is likely to be.
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#7. Bring a Bottle of Water
It can be a long wait until the interval or the end of the concert, so bring a refillable bottle to sip from during the show.
#8. Your Child’s Appearance May Be Short
Chances are you’ll get a couple of minutes of your own child and a lot longer watching everyone else’s — so go in with that expectation. If your child has a lead role, you’ll obviously get to enjoy a lot more stage time with them.
#9. There’s Always a Parent Standing Up in Front of You
Be ready for an enthusiastic parent or two standing up with a phone or tablet to film their child, blocking your view in the process. A little patience (and maybe a seat with a clear sightline) helps.
#10. Bring a Change of Clothes
If your child is performing in a costume, it’s worth bringing a change of clothes in case they want to get out of it before heading home.
#11. Bring Wet Wipes
Handy for removing stage make-up, and equally useful for sticky hands if there’s a treat afterwards.
#12. Bring Tissues
A small pack of tissues is always worth having close by — school concerts have a way of catching you off guard emotionally.
#13. Hold On to Your Child’s Coat
Take your child’s coat or jacket before they head backstage, so it doesn’t get lost in the pre-show chaos.
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#14. Don’t Forget to Invite the Grandparents
If space and the school allow it, invite the grandparents along — they’ll treasure the chance to watch their grandchild perform.
#15. Practice Your Delighted Face
Not every act will be a showstopper, but a broad smile and enthusiastic applause go a long way. It’s not a talent contest, and every parent in the room is proud of their own child.
#16. If You’re Bringing Younger Siblings…
Sit near an exit so you can slip out for a while if they get restless. Feed them dinner earlier in the day, since a hungry toddler at a two-hour concert is nobody’s idea of fun. A few snacks and a small distraction (quietly, please) can also help keep things calm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to take photos or videos at my child’s school concert?
Most schools allow personal photos and videos, and GDPR doesn’t prevent this when it’s for private, non-commercial use. Always check your specific school or creche’s policy beforehand, as some do ask parents not to film or photograph on the night.
What should I bring to a school concert?
Useful items include cash for raffles or treats, a bottle of water, tissues, wet wipes, a charged phone or camera (plus a power bank), and a spare set of clothes if your child is in costume.
Why do school concerts always seem to run long?
With every class or group getting their moment on stage, most concerts stretch out over a couple of hours, even though your own child’s part may only last a few minutes. Planning for a longer evening — especially with younger siblings in tow — makes it much easier to enjoy.
Should I bring younger siblings to a school concert?
You can, but it helps to plan ahead. Sit near an exit, feed them beforehand, and bring a few quiet snacks or a small distraction in case they get restless during the performance.
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Got a school concert coming up? Take a browse through more of our school and family life articles for extra ideas to make the day go smoothly — and feel free to save this one for the next big performance.
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