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Introduction:

I am a Singer and Performer and on Saturday just past I performed in 2 concerts. I am with a group called Soul Factor Gospel Choir here in Adelaide. My parents actually started it and continue to run it 25 years later and I am a founding member so it has been part of my life for a long time. We sing an array of music under the direction of my mum who is an exceptionally talented singer and choir leader. (and you may think I am biased, well I am but actually she is as good as I say). Anyway, one of the concerts we do every year is a Broadway style concert. Music from stage and screen with choreography, costumes, props etc not just singing. They do take a lot of work but are fabulous and that is what we had on the weekend.

Being a Performer with a Child

Now, this was the first time I was doing this much with a child. I have been doing some gigs since Oscar was born but they were short and so having someone there to look after him was reasonably simple and he was smaller and so would sleep more, I’d feed him and overall he did well but this was two concerts and rehearsal/sound checks prior to, so a long day.

Making the list and checking it twice!

I think the biggest thing was remembering to take everything that you needed. I can not believe how much I now have to bring everywhere because of him. Saturday was no exception and I was already taking a bunch of things because I had costumes, makeup, food, music to bring. Also my husband is involved as well and so he had video cameras and tripods to add to everything. The car was choccas!

What did I take for Oscar?

So what did I actually take for Oscar and our day out...

Nappy Bag

Of course we can't go anywhere with out this! We have a great LeQueen backpack one that has plenty of pockets, and space for nappies, wipes, extra clothes, even my phone and usb charger. So that was stocked up and ready. Check out the nappy bag here

Fold-a-Cot

As we were there so long including in to the evening when he should be in bed, we bought along the cot so that he could sleep as best as possible. He didn’t end up using it in the afternoon but did fall asleep for the night concert and was all snuggled up with his quilt in the cot. Check out this great list of porta cots on Amazon!

Toys and Mat

Of course we needed his favourite toys and things to keep him occupied. Oscar has quite a few Lamaze Toys and he loves them, they are colourful, noisy and good to chew! Then he also had his spinners and his bells! I also just threw in a blanket for him to play on the floor.

Baby Ear Muffs

These have been so good! We have the Banz Baby Ear Muffs and he has them on, he doesn’t get startled by the loud music and so sits quite peacefully or even falls to sleep. He wore these at the airshow and happily fell asleep. But it really is so important with their young ears around music. Plus they look adorable.

Pram

And last but not least, we had his pram. So important for him being able to watch, or be taken for a walk when he was crying, napping or just as an extra carrying aid!! We have a Bugaboo Cameleon which has been great for transitioning but of course there are so many great prams out there!

Car Tetris

So then it was to get everything into the car, it is amazing what you can fit what feels like the whole house with also adding a car seat and everything else but we got it all in and could still see out the windows haha!

Is packing a car well, something that you are good at? Or do you just poke everything in??

So after all that, did we get through the day??

Yes we did!! It was definitely a long day. Not only did I have to think about my singing, dances, costume changes, and general flow I also had to watch the clock, make sure I had fed Oscar, tried to get him to nap and keep him entertained at times.

I was exhausted after 2 x 2 hr long concerts of Love songs. Plus thinking about everything and breastfeeding but I love performing, I love the group, Oscar did really well and slept through the night concert, my husband Aaron and I even did a swing dance in the middle of one of the songs and we made it home by 11pm.

Conclusion

Life and performing is definitely different with a baby, it is challenging and yet I think its exciting for him to be a part of all those things too. I know I had a special childhood growing up with my mum performing and it has made me who I am today. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have to sing for people and want to share that with my children.

Do your children go to work with you? Can you share those experiences with them?

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