Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
Post by indigrainbowlove on Jun 15, 2010 14:40:32 GMT -5
Not if the parents/guardians think they are going to be able to keep them out in the sun all day long. To top it off, some content might not be suitable for children like the act that was on the small stage closest to the academy who was singing in great detail about how she was going to violate her beau with a large purple dildo.
i have a 2 year old and my husband and I would never bring her. It's not even the fact of staying sober but there is NO way I would ever put her in that heat. Not that this has ever been a problem but I would also worry about someone taking her. Not worth all that to me I would rather have her safe and sound at Grandma's playing in the AC
Pregnant women- if they can handle themselves and properly gauge how they're feeling and when to take a break, I don't see an issue. Kids- well... I think if the parents are responsible enough to monitor how their children are handling weather and the surrounding environment then it is a non-issue. But people who aren't willing to miss a show to take their kids back to camp to rest and hydrate out of the sun are just sad. I won't even touch on parentals getting spun with their kids by their side. All that being said, it was way to hot for kids to be running about during the day this year.
It's a questionable issue depending on the individual but I love seeing happy kids at festies.
This year, we had lots of children, infants and pregnant chicks come by the Kidz Jam tent. I personally didn't see any bad incidents with kids, which is one of the reasons that we are there - to provide sunblock, cold water, fruit and earplugs to kids who need it. This year, we did not see any kids that had bad sunburn or exhaustion, even though the heat reached a record high.
Now that Bonnaroo has been going on for years, we are seeing a lot of 'regular' kids who come back year after year, and seasoned parents who know exactly what it takes to tailor the Bonnaroo weekend to be all about the children. They know to keep them cool, out of the sun, well fed and away from loud or inappropriate music.
Babies can be very well taken care of at Bonnaroo, depending on who the parents are. Just like in any other situation. I'm disappointed to see that such a biased poll has been posted with 'ABSOLUTELY NOT' appearing in large letters, while the other choices are less emphasized.
indigrainbowlove, It is quite possible to keep the kids out of the sun if they have brought a backpack or wagon with a canopy and take advantage of the many spots in Centeroo that offer shade, like Kidz Jam. This is why the responsible parents should be celebrated. They had the choice to leave the kids with a babysitter, but instead went the extra mile each and every day of the festival to make sure that the kids were safe and having a great weekend camping out and dancing.
Remember, not everyone is at Bonnaroo to get wasted. There is plenty of music, art, workshops and crafts for families to take part in. To say that parents are incapable of such a task is simply insulting.
i'm sure that good parents can handle their kids at bonnaroo. It is very jarring to suddenly notice a 6 year old 3 feet in front of you, when your hittin a joint. its just a reflex. Honestly, though it was cool asking the kids questions about what they like and seeing a 3rd grader rock out to Claypool
Unless you have an RV, too hot and too long of a weekend. Also, too many druqks for them to be around. I'm fine with people doing them, but kids shouldn't be around those
Post by Dave Maynar on Jun 15, 2010 16:22:17 GMT -5
I have a 5 and 2 year old. I would never bring mine to Bonnaroo simply because of the heat and long hours. Plus, I was doing good to keep myself maintained and would have probably ended up in a worse spot if I had the boys to take care of as well.
So what about kids that live in this area? Not all houses have air conditioning. What about kids that live in areas that are hotter and don't have air conditioning. Are they bad parents because they don't move to a colder climate?
I think I've said this before about the whole drug thing, but sorry if you are uncomfortable doing drugs in front of children. But I'm not going to ruin my family vacation just to make you comfortable. Not my problem.
I had such a fun time with the kids last year when I was pregnant. We'll have a great time with them next year.
I'm sorry you guys feel this way. I understand that you don't understand what it's like to care for someone other than yourself and what you want. But one day you will.
I love KidzJam and what they do for the festival, and even though our kids weren't there I still stopped by do donate some money. I didn't see one sunburned unhappy baby there. I did see a lot of kids smiling and playing in water that their parents were spraying at them.
Post by indigrainbowlove on Jun 15, 2010 16:56:28 GMT -5
the only reason i voted absolutely not is because i wouldnt take my kids there. i dont think that makes me a good or bad parent, though. i think i could have brought them and taken good care of them there easily. my kids, however, have the attention span of squirrels and would have been ready to leave after an hour, that's with me being creative and fun with them. i say three cheers for any parent(s) that safely trekked roo with their children. so i guess i change my answer to other, since the question was asking is it safe or not. my fault on that one, wasnt paying full attention to the wording
Last Edit: Jun 15, 2010 16:57:23 GMT -5 by indigrainbowlove - Back to Top
Post by pondo ROCKS on Jun 15, 2010 17:09:58 GMT -5
I met two inforooers (cannot remember names sorry) who had their kids in a canopy type wagon (we were in front of Rock-N-Roll Jewelry ) and they looked fine. The kids had shade and water.
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Post by shaggyfort1e on Jun 15, 2010 17:35:02 GMT -5
If I had a child, I personally wouldn't bring them. Aside from the inescapable heat, drugs and alcohol, what about when your child has to use the bathroom? I personally had a hard time using a portapotty, and I consider myself an expert in how to use one in the most sanitary fashion possible. I would not however expect a child to be able to do that, plus as filthy as they were this year, and as weak as a child's immune system can be, I would never let a child use on of those, especially in centeroo.
As far as pregnant women go. At a couple of times, I was with 2 pregnant women, and neither one of them seemed to have any problems. And one of them was 8 months pregnant. As far as that goes, I think thats up to them to judge their capabilities.
For the porto potties, last year I brought lysol wipes to wipe the seat before use, then put toilet paper down so they could sit. I brought baby wipes for them to use. And Wet Ones wipes for their hands after wards. I had two little ones with me so we tended to use the handy capped ones because they had room for all of us.
It took about ten minutes for a pee break but it worked just fine.
Honestly if I had a kid I don't think I'd bring him or her along unless I had an rv... I saw a couple pushing a stroller with a kid in it around centeroo while the Flaming Lips were playing DSOTM Friday night... I'm not exactly sure what time it was, but I know it was late, I don't think something like that is cool, not only because of the late time, also because thats when we're all getting our party on and people can be unpredictable when fucked up.
We saw several people with little ones, and most of them were very well taken care of.
On Sunday during Ween a wook family showed up behind us... they had 4 sunburned kids that they were letting run into people, lean on them and pretty much run all over the place. The father was yelling about having to get them all back to camp so he could "work" for the night and the mother was blasted on something telling the kids "too bad, I let you go to the kiddie tent, it's my time to see Ween". Then she did nothing but yell and carry on for the rest of the show. One of the kids actually said "isn't it time to burn one"!
I think it's a great experience for the little ones that have good parents, but I also feel that Bonnaroo should ban kids of a certain age after being witness to the above. You can't trust that everyone puts their kids first. With that heat on Sunday, it was no place for little kids.
For the porto potties, last year I brought lysol wipes to wipe the seat before use, then put toilet paper down so they could sit. I brought baby wipes for them to use. And Wet Ones wipes for their hands after wards. I had two little ones with me so we tended to use the handy capped ones because they had room for all of us.
It took about ten minutes for a pee break but it worked just fine.
And children don't have horrible immune systems.
Well it's good to hear that a responsible parent takes the proper precautions for the sake of their children. If only all the parents at Bonnaroo were as responsible as you. I've just personally witnessed too many children at too many Bonnaroos, whose parents had not been taking the the steps a responsible parent would to ensure their child's safety and health. In my opinion children should not be allowed at the Roo, just to keep those parents from putting their child in an unnecessarily hazardous environment, just so they can have a good time. (more specifically, I'm referring to babies and toddlers here. If your 12 year old wants to go and can keep up, then by all means, they would probably have a great time, but a one year old child has no business at a place like Bonnaroo where they could get hurt or sick, and wouldn't even remember the experience later anyways)
Oh and for the record, I never said children have "horrible" immune systems, I said they can have weaker immune systems. It is a fact that a child's immune system is not as developed as an adult's. They haven't had the time to build up immunities to the diseases we as adults have come in contact with over the years. That is why whenever there is an outbreak of salmonella, or the flu, or e. coli, they say on the news to take measures to protect the "at risk groups such as chldren, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems."
all the kids i saw seemed fine. there was only one time that i saw a couple kids crying after a loud late night show. i felt bad for them. over all i think it's all in the parents.
Post by WooHooRooRoo on Jun 15, 2010 20:16:22 GMT -5
Well, I just have a few things to say about this blog.... 1st, if you have no kids, then don't comment on what you'd do or not do w/ them!!! Secondly, for those of you w/ children who wouldn't dare bring them, good for you. Because you all are probably the parents that are there to get a buzz, first and foremost. Lastly, let me state for the record... MY 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HAD THE TIME OF HER LIFE!! It was NOT dangerous for her because I made sure she had the following:
1. Umbrella for shade 2. Plenty water(bottled & iced in camelback) 3. a wagon for when she got tired of walking 4. Ear Muffs( also donated a case of ear plugs to Kidz Jam) 5. A SOBER PARENT THAT BROUGHT HER THERE SO SHE COULD ENJOY THE VARIOUS GENRES OF MUSIC!!
Yes, i had lysol wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. but #1-5 were most important to me. She had an amazing time!! She saw girls w/o tops that had their boobs painted, she saw people hitting pipes, she saw a 50yo hippie woman trippin acid..... She saw festival life at it's fullest. So, before you judge, walk in my shoes!! My daughter experienced something she'll never forget & had the time of her life doing it! She was safe & well taken care of. She will be going again next year and every year to come(She told me so!!)Her experience is no different than some of yours. She had fun, heard great music, and made some new friends.. What more could I ask for??
Post by snowflake78 on Jun 15, 2010 20:34:52 GMT -5
I was floored by some of the people with kids. I saw a dad who was volunteering with his 2 toddlers in a metal wagon, at midnight, parked by a trashcan that he was overseeing as part of his volunteer shift. How can people think that dragging kids who are too young to say when they are too hot/tired/thirsty/etc. to something where you've got so many wasted people, no bathrooms, limited water, and heat?! That volunteer bragged to us that it was the kids second festival and that they had spent a lot of the day in the car with the AC running because of the heat. Showing up there with that heat without an RV/AC is irresponsible. I'll say it. I'm glad someone started this thread b/c maybe people will read it and think twice before taking their kids next year.
Post by snowflake78 on Jun 15, 2010 22:20:41 GMT -5
OH...I have to comment to WooHooRooRoo. We sat right behind you waiting for Stevie Wonder. You were awesome. Your daughter was eating a frozen lemonade, and my friend and I commented on how cute she was and how you seemed prepared to make sure she had a good time. This situation didn't seem to be the norm though. Too many hot, red faced babies being pushed around in strollers with just exhausted, blank expressions. When my son is 5 or so I'd consider it. You were so obviously watching out for her to have a good time and we actually were so glad to see you because the whole day I had been almost sick about seeing so many people (even saw a mom and dad smoking a pipe together while carrying their infant in a baby carrier) who weren't too concerned about their welfare. Your little girl is too cute and I'm so glad she had a good time!
We took our 6 year old daughter (and she finally got to meet many of you InfoRoo'ers) and we had a blast. That said, we were in an RV, we took many breaks back to it because it was so close (VIP) and we watched her like a hawk. We never spent more than 1/4 of the day in the sun between breaks and we frequented the KidzJam tent.
She saw TONS of music. She had a wonderful time. It has created some of my favorite moments as a father in one fail swoop-- from her hoisted on my shoulders at Avett Bros to Brandi Carlile stopping mid-song to wave at her to my little girl passing out mardi gras beads and glow bracelets to half the hill at VIP during Dave as we mourned Matt... we had a beautiful, beautiful time. But we did so because this was about her- not just us.
I want to specifically call out KidzJam here-- they were amazing. It was a perfect respite. Addy is very, very proud of her sand-art necklace, hula-hoop and terrarium and we were proud to donate.
Just a few things I want to chime in on... Crappy parents will be crappy parents wherever they are. Air conditioning is a relatively new invention and we don't NEED it to survive. I would take a baby or small child to Roo if I was well prepared and had a well behaved child. Ear protection is a must though. People overlook that one most frequently, I believe.
We took our 6 year old daughter (and she finally got to meet many of you InfoRoo'ers) and we had a blast. That said, we were in an RV, we took many breaks back to it because it was so close (VIP) and we watched her like a hawk. We never spent more than 1/4 of the day in the sun between breaks and we frequented the KidzJam tent.
She saw TONS of music. She had a wonderful time. It has created some of my favorite moments as a father in one fail swoop-- from her hoisted on my shoulders at Avett Bros to Brandi Carlile stopping mid-song to wave at her to my little girl passing out mardi gras beads and glow bracelets to half the hill at VIP during Dave as we mourned Matt... we had a beautiful, beautiful time. But we did so because this was about her- not just us.
I want to specifically call out KidzJam here-- they were amazing. It was a perfect respite. Addy is very, very proud of her sand-art necklace, hula-hoop and terrarium and we were proud to donate.
Thanks! It is our mission to make the festival fun and safe for kids, as well as educate people on the fact that a fest can be an incredible family experience. People who do not have children can have a hard time understanding this concept until they really see kids who are well taken care of and interacting at the Kidz Jam tent, or dancing happily at a show!
I think your little girl was the one who so desperately wanted to see Hello Kitty, but she always didn't happen to be there when we had Kitty out and about! Also, did she lose a pair of Hello Kitty ears? If so, we have them!
I saw more kids this year than others - maybe because I now have a niece and notice kids more in general? But I never saw any that looked un-cared for.
And I know when I was a kid, I saw and heard SO many things that went completely over my head. I knew what was going on, but not the significance of it. Now as an adult, I think back and think "ohhhhhhhh." But at the time I really didn't process song lyrics and stuff like that.
Secondly, for those of you w/ children who wouldn't dare bring them, good for you. Because you all are probably the parents that are there to get a buzz, first and foremost.
First let me state - I am glad that your child had the time of her life! I think that is wonderful
Now - I have issues with the statement you made above because you are making broad assumptions.
I have three children - 17, 12 and 5. I don't take them to Bonnaroo. I don't want to take them to Bonnaroo. I do everything in the world for them during the rest of the year. I chose to have children and I give up plently for them.
Bonnaroo is MY vacation. It is my 4 days away from the kids where I can just be Meg - not Mom (although I still worry about them and talk to them every day while I am there) but it is my 4 days of not having to figure out what to fix for dinner, make sure the laundry is done, check everyone's schedules and get the kids to and from every place they need and want to be.
It is 4 days that I get to just be me and just be with my husband. It makes up for all the time we miss together during the rest of the year because we are often in two different places with children involved in different activities.
I go to Bonnaroo first and foremost to be myself for 4 days, to not be responsible for anyone but myself for 4 days out of the year. I go secondly for music. Third I go to see and hang out with friends that I only get to see in person once a year.
Next year we will be bringing the oldest with us. It is her graduation/18th birthday present. At that age, she can find her way around, hand out with friends that are going, yet I will still be there if she needs me. It makes me comfortable to know I will be there when she experiences her first BIG music festival.
Last Edit: Jun 16, 2010 14:00:46 GMT -5 by Meg - Back to Top
Well, I just have a few things to say about this blog.... 1st, if you have no kids, then don't comment on what you'd do or not do w/ them!!! Secondly, for those of you w/ children who wouldn't dare bring them, good for you. Because you all are probably the parents that are there to get a buzz, first Lastly, let me state for the record... MY 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HAD THE TIME OF HER LIFE!!
UMMM..... excuse me!!! Who do you think you are passing judgment on us parents who"would not dare to bring our children b/c wait what was it??? JUST THERE TO GET A BUZZ"!!!...OK LET ME GIVE YOU A CLUE HERE LADY, I have a 1yr old son that I would not subject to that heat for a million dollars!! what must of us here feel is that a young child (baby) should not be there...ITS TO HOT.. Its hard enough to keep yourself alive at Roo let alone a BABY...that being said your daughter is 8 that is very cool that you took and she enjoyed herself but she can...WALK...TALK...USE THE RESTROOM...EAT...DRINK...GET CHANGED...ALL ON HER OWN..NOT TO MENTION REMEMBER THE TRIP...SO I'm just asking plz don't tell me or other parents of small children that b/c we don't bring them were there to get F$#ed up....THAT BEING SAID I'M SO GLAD TO HEAR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAD A GREAT TIME AND HOPE SHE WILL BE A BONNAVET BY AGE 12...PEACE LOVE&BONNAROO
what must of us here feel is that a young child (baby) should not be there...ITS TO HOT.. Its hard enough to keep yourself alive at Roo let alone a BABY...that being said your daughter is 8 that is very cool that you took and she enjoyed herself but she can...WALK...TALK...USE THE RESTROOM...EAT...DRINK...GET CHANGED...ALL ON HER OWN..NOT TO MENTION REMEMBER THE TRIP...SO I'm just asking plz don't tell me or other parents of small children that b/c we don't bring them were there to get F$#ed up....THAT BEING SAID I'M SO GLAD TO HEAR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAD A GREAT TIME AND HOPE SHE WILL BE A BONNAVET BY AGE 12...PEACE LOVE&BONNAROO
First off, I wouldn't say that MOST of us feel that children shouldn't be there. Bonnaroo and thousands of parents who bring their kids to Roo each year would disagree. Secondly, most of the children that Kidz Jam saw this year were indeed very little ones and were better taken care of than any adult at the fest.
Picture it: If you were toted in a shaded wagon, constantly sprayed with water, spoonfed food and given sips of cold water at every opportunity, Bonnaroo would be a cakewalk for you, too. Hell, VIP should add the 'baby rooer' package and make a killing by providing escorts to see to your every need like these parents did for their kiddos. They worked hard and deserve a thumbs up.
THAT said, I don't bring my kids because I'm working Kidz Jam, and it's a nice vacation for my husband and I. There's nothing wrong with not wanting to bring the kids, either. The parents who go without kids are completely entitled to having a vacation, no matter what the motive. I'm taking my kids on vacation later this year. Who's to say my husband and I can't have a weekend to ourselves?
It is justified on both sides. I wouldn't shame a parent for not bringing their kids to roo, or deciding to bring them. It's their choice, either way.