Arnau Solsona: "In a large family, the couple is the minority"

Since the first edition of Embassa't there have been families with children, because we have always ensured that the space was safe, prioritizing comfort and with friendly proposals. The night schedule, obviously, is no longer for children. But for more than 10 years we organized the Petit Embassa’t.Don't do it anymore...

— We have ended up seeing that more than purely children's workshops or activities, what most captures the attention of little ones ends up being the music itself. From a certain age, children are attracted to styles and proposals that would surprise more than one adult. In this year's festival, we have designed a closing event, on Sunday the 17th, as a very family-friendly day, with La Ludwing Band and Mishima.

I suppose something or other is always playing at home.

— Yes, we always have music playing. It's a family vice. We wake up and the radio or a playlist is already on, or we put on some vinyl. We listen to a lot of music on weekends. We have the habit of choosing an album, putting it on, discussing it, looking closely at the cover. We listen to music according to our mood or the weather, or what we feel like or what I think will accompany us best.

Simply put, it's about sharing with your children what you like, right?

— I do it in a very natural way, not because they are one age or another. I like to talk about things that I find interesting. I'm not saying there aren't specifically childish things that are interesting. But, for example, when we pass by a cinema and see the movie posters, I tell them who that actor is or what films they've made. I do it as if I were telling them a story. I've already told The Three Little Pigs many times, so I prefer to tell novels by Alexandre Dumas or Treasure Island or movies. I tell them Out of Africa.

It's a good approach.

— Cinema and theatre fascinate me. I also talk about travel and countries of the world, which is part of my profession because I manage a travel agency. In the end, I end up having more adult conversations with my children. It's the way I do it, and I'm happy with how it works for us. This doesn't mean other parents have to do it the same way. With three children, you learn it's better not to get into debates. Everyone does what they can.

How do you overcome difficulties?

— We have learned to survive with joy. A family of three has a lot of joy for many hours of the day. Now, there are also extremes, good moments and tense moments, but I wouldn't change them for anything in the world. At home we are very clowns, starting with the parents, but the children are even more so, and that is priceless.

In essence, what do you think is a father's job?

— The main thing is to teach them all the possible tools to face the future. We live in a changing world and things will not always be easy for them. Fathers and mothers constantly worry that they will not lack anything, that they can enjoy life as much or more than us. Perhaps the way to face it is to try to live without too many worries. If you worry too much, you can't do anything. We must take advantage of the moments you have to live, which are precious.

Appreciate normality, right?

— My family tries to live a normal life. I can no longer go to as many festivals as before, but we also do many things together. Excursions, going to the beach, skiing, museums, cinema.

Four years ago you went from being three to being five.

— The difference between being three and being five is very big. The first news, when we found out we were expecting twins, was already impactful. At that moment we realized that nothing we had would serve us, from the house to the car and many other things. Once the initial shock was overcome, what happens, when you have a large family, is that you and your partner become the minority and the children always end up winning. It is important to be aware that you have already half lost the battle.

What are you saying? No kidding! Fight a little longer, until adolescence.

— In the end, everything gets done. Everything ends up moving forward. In this context, optimism is fundamental. Being an optimistic couple and living family life with this attitude gives you a lot of strength. Day to day ends up being a lot of fun, and also very intense. Often, when evening arrives, the tiredness is so great that at a quarter past eight you would go to bed.