Leeds Dad

I realised a few days ago that while I have mentioned Boomchikkaboom a few times on the blog and on Facebook and Twitter. However, I have never done a dedicated post on them…

Well our Boomchikkaboom journey started when Heidi was about 15 months old (it was Baby Rave North back then!) and it was probably the first class that we went to together. I’d seen so many great photos/videos/reviews online and if I’m honest, it did take some courage to go.

My thoughts raced between “should I be exposing my child to a rave?“, “am I cool enough for this?” and “will I be the only single dad there?“. I think it boiled down to the fact that I didn’t have much confidence in myself or my parenting abilities at the time.

Well as time has moved on, I realised that not much can be done about the mum/dad ratio. However, it need not have mattered because as the classes are one-offs, there are no cliques and everyone is there just to enjoy it! Yes, first time was a bit strange, but it certainly beats singing boring nursery rhymes in a village hall. This is 21st century kids entertainment!

Marks out of 10 for the @boomchikkaboom hokey cokey today at @TigerLeeds ?!?! pic.twitter.com/V0m7O4qbhy

— Leeds Dad (@leedsdad) March 19, 2017

Part of me wishes that we would have gone when Heidi was much younger. This is because the light/noise sensory experience must be amazing for a baby and it is so good to see so many attend. If you’re going with a little one, just sit a bit away from the speakers and you’ll be fine. Also, you’ll be away from the “crush” to pop the bubbles from the terrible 2 year olds!. On a serious note, everyone looks out for each other and it is perfectly safe for all ages.

Now that Heidi is almost 4, we have done virtually all the Boomchikkaboom events, from baby rave to family rave to preschool workshops to hip hop history month celebrations to Fathers Days (my treat to me!) although I REFUSE to do messy play!!!! I can’t remember a time when I was disappointed by the class. After each class, I feel alive and invigorated and so I can only imagine how the little ones feel afterwards.

(True story, after our first class, Heidi slept for 3 hours in the middle of the day because the sensory experience was so strong!)

Perhaps the best thing about Boomchikkaboom is the people behind the microphone/scenes. You’re not dealing with a massive brand, you’re dealing with local people. They really care about giving you and your little ones a good time as well as being immensely talented. It does help that they are a bit mad as well!!

I don’t know if Heidi will ever grow out of wanting to go to “big girl baby raves”. However, given the number of glow sticks we have and the fact we’re onto our second disco ball, I’m guessing that I have a little longer to try and get my moves down!

(Hopefully this video will show her excited reaction to being told that we were going to a “big girl baby rave”)

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