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 tangerinetrees on Jun 16, 2010 14:39:34 GMT -5
I saw lots of kids. Most of them had these cute ear phones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They were also having the time of their lives at the beach and at the fountain. They are so cute - I saw some girls with adorable umbrellas. My parents were/are never that hip to take me places. There was a little girl being held by daddy during Marley/Nas - there was some corn being smoked but not around her.
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 was just going to say this exact thing and I think I touched on the AC subject earlier in the thread.
A parent is not a bad parent because they make their kids leave the AC in the summer. Hell, I think it's worse when parents want to keep their kids in the house when it's hot and sunny. Slap, or spray on some sunscreen, hand them a water bottle and send them on their way. We live in Buffalo NY. It's crappy weather here for a good portion of the year. As soon as that nice weather hits my kids are outside playing as long as they can.
And I'll tell you this, my kids don't have any food allergies, any regular allergies, and they very rarely get sick at all. Whether or not the fact that my kids don't play video games except for family WII time on Saturday nights, they don't play on the computer unless it has to do with school, and spend a lot of time outside in the sun has anything to do with their health who knows. But I do see a difference in all around health between the "indoor" kids and the "outdoor" kids.
And KIDZJAM: I did get shamed for bringing my kids. Last year when the sun was down we set up our blanket for the Beastie Boys. Near the back so we would have some room. I brought a bunch of glow sticks so we could line the blanket with them so people would be able to see that there were little ones dancing on the blanket and not to step their. While they were dancing my son bent down to get some water out of his bag. Some kid barreled through fist pumping the air and almost stepped on him and kicked our stuff all over. When I confronted him telling him to watch where he was going. He began to scream at me for bringing the kids and ruining adult time. He named off all of the cons that are listed here. Granted he was high/drunk and didn't have much tact but whatever.
I just think it's stupid that people think kids shouldn't be at a music festival and site the weather as the reason. That is a cop out excuse for the real reason is that children make people uncomfortable when they are doing illegal stuff. Obviously that's not the case for everyone but for a majority it is.
I have a 17 month old. I have wavered on and off about bringing her in the future. I don't think I will bring her to Bonnaroo unless we did RV VIP, but that is me personally. I almost passed out from the heat this year - it seemed harder on my body this year than previous years which is what has caused my hesitation.
However, I don't think it's a bad idea to bring kids. The majority of kids I saw were well cared for - shaded, hydrated, entertained and cared for by sober parents. I did see the smoking parents with the baby carrier, I saw sunburned kids, I saw really bored kids... but most of the kids I saw were having a good time. I saw a couple pre-teens with Roo shirts from years before I even attended and they looked like seasoned vets - they had their Camelbaks and hats and bandannas and were having a blast at the shows.
We seriously are thinking of taking our child to a festival that is a bit closer to home and at a less hot time of the year. I think it is a great experience.
Me and my husband were sitting by the bobble heads wait to meet up with my sister and this little blond kid was walking by with his arms stretched out waiting for someone to give him a hug. I of course did and talked to his mom for a second. Then I called my babies to tell them I love them.
I also talked to a mother who told me she make ice cream for her baby from breast milk. GENIUS. I want to try it.
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.
That was me. We all had a blast except for the fact that i worrired about the kids so much i forgot to sun screen myself and got sun poisoning. Lots of people took their pictures and a few even asked if it was ok. they want to go back already. ony bad thing that happened to us was some asshat jacked their umbrella but we had the waggon w/ canopy so no big deal.
It makes me a little sad how many people say ABSOLUTELY NOT :*( One of the best things about Roo is that they take into consideration those of all ages and persuasions. I don't have kids yet but there isss something magical about possibly living in a world not so strung up and taking it self so damn seriously???
If you are at a festie, and sooo spun during the day when the kids are out and roaming, maybe you are just too damn spun?!
Bonnaroo: Black, white, yellow, purple, old, young, middle ager's gettin it, prego, love wearing ridic customes, cheap sunglasses, writing on walls, fighting the power. Its for you. end of story. Bring yo babies
Last Edit: Jun 16, 2010 22:15:14 GMT -5 by Deleted - 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$#ed up....THAT BEING SAID I'M SO GLAD TO HEAR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAD A GREAT TIME AND HOPE SHE WILL BE A BONNAVET BY AGE 12...PEACE LOVE&BONNAROO
Yes, that was a very broad statement I made & for that I apologize, however, if you do not fit into that category, then why I must ask are you offended?? And to correct you further, I said "get a buzz". not "F$#ed up"..... I didn't really see anyone there That was beyond "Buzz" state. I, just like you, have an opinion & exercise my right to freedom of speech. That being said, my statement stands firm!!! Love & Light!
Post by bonnarichert on Jun 17, 2010 9:23:07 GMT -5
Well right on whoohoorooroo...thats the beauty of the good ol USA..freedom of speech so here it is.... 1. Your category included everyone that has a child and did not bring them...thats me. 2. Why Im offended is b/c thats not why Im there and not why alot of other parents are there. 3. I thought the thread was about babies at Roo not older children, me and my wife talked about bringing are son but at the right age... that being said the right age is different for all. like I said before I think it is cool as Leno that she had a great time and hope she does in the future also......BUT bonnaroo is not the place for BABIES....just my opinion
PS. Im in no way trying to pick a fight or anything.....but a good debate keeps the mind sharp......and as parents we all need that..lol PEACE,LOVE & BONNAROO
Post by daisychain on Jun 17, 2010 12:26:40 GMT -5
I saw both good and bad parents this year. Some were good and kept the babies shaded and hydrated. I saw several parents though who didn't bother to shade their babies. A lot of sunburned 1 year olds who were screaming. I just wanted to run up to them and slather them in sunblock and give them a bottle of cold apple juice. There was a cluster of kids at Mumford though who were rockin out and having the time of their lives. It was the cutest thing ever with one of the best dads ever. It really just depends on the parents.
Post by questionablesanity on Jun 17, 2010 13:48:31 GMT -5
We passed a baby on our way to the fakedown vendors every day. Grandma was there, they had a play area for her which was nice. I have a four year old who has been to two local music fests but there is no way that I'd subject him to that kind of heat for that period of time. He'd get bored too fast anyways. I'll take him when he's old enough to ask me to go. Til then, it'll be local fests for us.
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
For me, the bottom line is this: If you have an RV or other way to regulate the temperature for your baby and you aren't going to expose them to extreme heat for long periods of time, go ahead and bring them. However, the general conscensus seems to be that the heat and sun is hard enough for an adult to handle, let along a kid...
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
Kids are pretty resilient, I grew up mainly without AC myself. I also took both of my children on sections of Phish tour when they were younger in the mid 90's. It is fun, and it is a blast to have those you love with you doing something you love.
Post by xjenNjuicex on Jun 18, 2010 11:44:44 GMT -5
I saw a couple of very sunburned babies and it really bothered me. I'm not against bringing your children to Bonnaroo but if you're going to bring them then you should at least be responsible and take care of them!!! I mean, at least put some freakin' sunblock on them and REAPPLY it throughout the day!!! That being said, the kids who you could tell had responsible parents and who were there having a great time were super cute!!!
So if I live in Tennesee or someplace that's hotter without air conditioning then I'm a bad parent?
Child protective services must be busy in Africa.
That's not what I mean, but why expose your kid to that kind of environment if you don't have to? It's not like a baby is gonna get anything out of it... (although they may get some cool points from friends when you tell them when they're old enough to know what Bonnaroo is)...
How do you know a baby isn't getting anything out of it. If that's the case then why do you sing to your baby before it's born.
That's kind of like saying don't bother playing with a baby before they can respond verbally.
Music is just as stimulating to a baby as playing with toys or people.
My parents have surrounded me with music since I was a baby and I have done the same with my children.
And trust me there are far worse things to worry about than some pink noses and cheeks. Like I said before, my family burns. We have fair skin. Sometimes it doesn't matter how much sunblock we use. We still get a little burn. We've never had sun poison or anything. But some pink noses and pink shoulders. Again, I don't think that it makes me a bad parent. And whether or not that happens at home or at a concert/festival makes no difference at all.
I think the whole heat/sunburn argument is just ridiculous and nit-picky. I stand by my original statement. Children make people without kids doing questionable things uncomfortable. And when people are uncomfortable they get defensive.
Again, I'm not saying everybody is like this but most people are.
All I can ask is please watch where you're walking at a festival. They are shorter than you and it's not their job to move out of your way. That is one thing that pissed me off. Watching people totally unaware of their surroundings. This is dangerous and stupid no matter what the setting. Remember, a kids eyeball is no match for you careless cigarette.
not my kid, not my problem. if its not your kid, shouldnt be your concern either.
That's how I think everyone should feel!
This was our family vacation this year & we brought our 2 younger elementary kids. They had a blast! It's all up to the parent.
I agree the heat excuse is silly. Kids go to summer camp, swim classes, play outside, etc. all the time. & we live in TX, so it's hotter here. If you keep the water on them, in the shade, & sunblock - then you're good & they're good. My kids didn't get a burn at all.
I will say they may have gotten bored at times, but guess what, not everyone will be excited at every point. I didn't get to jump in the bounce house at Kidz Jam, did I?
As long as my kids weren't close enough to get a contact high, I'm good. Do your thing. I know you exist, you know I exist... So can we co-exist? I think so. Don't blow smoke in my kids face & we're good.
I understand that there are yucky parents out there, but I think there's a lot of good. And people saying a general NO to kids is silly, especially if you're a parent & take care of a child.
You choose to drive your kids on roads/death traps, don't you? But I assume you do it w/ seat belts, proper speed, etc. Same w/ Bonnaroo. I don't look down on you for putting your kids in danger's way by putting them in your car, don't look down on me for dousing my kids in water & sunscreen & big floppy hats so they can experience something so unique.
(I posted a LONG post about our experience this year in another thread.)
^^ Thanks to everyone for posting their opinions. I don't mean to push mine on anyone, I don't even have kids so who am I to tell someone how to raise theirs? I was just curious what different things people would say. You all have some very valid points, especially you, msbrandy...
I camped out with my 4 month pregnant ex-girlfriend this year, and she was fine. We had plenty of water, she didn't consume all of her free time by wondering around in the heat, stayed cool and took plenty of breaks when she felt like she needed to, which meant leaving in the middle of sets to go back to our camp and take a nap. No matter what anyone's opinion is, it's up to the parent(s) to decide if they want to bring their children along, or go to Bonnaroo while they're pregnant.
I saw a couple pushing a stroller with a kid in it around centeroo while the Flaming Lips were playing DSOTM Friday night...
This kid?
She's mine, so I kinda feel a need to respond on her behalf, and on behalf of myself and my husband as 'roobaby parents (so much so that I created an account just to talk with you). Hi. How's it going? The kid in question is my 2 year-old daughter, AJ, who keeps asking me if she can go back to "BonROOOOOO" to see more "buhmoons" and "dance dance dance". The stroller you saw was for her safety. Please note: you saw my stroller. It was kinda coated in glow sticks, as were my kid and our blanket, just for that purpose: visibility
Thank you for letting me know it worked. We chose to bring her stroller to she'd have a safe(r) place to sit if our glow-stick-adorned blanket idea didn't pan out. As parents, we've gotten used to the necessity of having a plan b (or plan m, q, whatever). The stroller gave her a bit more protection from bumps/jostling as we were leaving the show- not that we had the slightest problem; everyone we met at 'roo was super cool to all three of us.
As far as the time issue goes, she had no problem napping all day, despite the heat. She probably slept more/better than everyone else!
As someone earlier in the thread mentioned, the Bonnaroo Baby "spoil me" treatment could be quite profitable.
Try to see 'roo from a kid's perspective:
Not only is it full of fun things to see and do,
and great music to dance to,
but where else can kids see that many "grown ups" having fun? Yeah, it might smell like "no no word", but it's not like she hasn't smelled it before at other live shows. As long as nobody blows smoke directly in her face, I don't care and neither should she. Better to model acceptance and understanding for her from the beginning, before that cultural "drugs are bad, mmkay?" mentality gets pushed into her mindset. I think it's important that my daughter grow up enjoying live music and days spent camping (even if it's hot), lest she believe that adulthood is all hard work and no play. YMMV, of course, but I can tell you that my kid is happy, healthy, outgoing, well-adjusted, and mostly fearless, so my parenting philosophy can't be failing her too much.
Are there irresponsible parents at 'roo? Well, I didn't see any. I'd imagine that the odds would eventually throw a bad apple into the mix, just like I'm sure there were irresponsible members of (insert population group here) at 'roo at some point or another. Could something horrible have happened to her? I think that's highly unlikely, but it is possible- it's possible no matter what I do. Personally, I don't feel there's enough of a risk to deny my child the 4 days of awesomeness she so thoroughly enjoyed- even if that time required extra work, vigilance and sacrifice on the part of her parents (and yes, it did).
If you don't have kids and don't grok my mentality, that's cool. If you have kids, I trust that you know yourself and your children well enough to make the best decision for your family. So that's cool, too. What's not cool with me is the idea of a homogenized Bonnaroo wherein only persons from age ___ to ___ with a certain agenda are allowed in.
I mean, c'mon- can you deny her this?
PS- I can't speak for all moms, but I know I carried extra sunscreen/snacks/water/wipes/fans all weekend and was "mothering" anyone I came across who looked like they might need a little extra care. Plus, those staying for later shows inherited all AJ's glowsticks when we left. Seems like a win/win to me.
^^ i mother people too. I always have a first aid kit and wipes in my bag. I actually tend to use it more on my adult friends when we're out for a walk in the park than my kids. So basically I'm like a walking Med tent.
Let me tell you kids at Bonnaroo have it better than All Access. They get carried from show to show with shade, snacks, water, and anything else. If something does happen like a scrape or cut there is a walking first aid right their.
I know next year my two oldest will be jealous when we are pushing the baby in a stroller and they have to actually walk.
BTW, Your babes with the pink headphones is so cute and should be the face of Bonnaroo.
Post by msbrandymichelle on Jun 18, 2010 23:04:09 GMT -5
lol - I'm a motherer too. I was bandaids & ointment for many, as well as a provider of sunblock & food. See, without moms & kids all the rest of your booboos would be sad booboos
A Thieve's Parade 2/24 Conspirator 2/26 Kevin Smith 3/11 Keller 3/17 Papadosio 3/18 JJ Grey 3/25 Bela Fleck/Edgar Meyer 3/26 Toubab Krewe 3/27 O'Death 4/11 Budos Band 4/22 EOTO 4/28 Summer Camp 5/6-29 All Good
What kind of country has the US become when people are attacking parents for letting their kids run around outside? What do you think kids in Tennessee do any other day of the year? They go outside, play in the mud, get sun on their face. Of course special attention needs to be paid to make sure that the kids don't get burned or run into people who will cause problems, but everyone who is going on about it being 'too hot' for kids is coming off as incredibly illogical. Kids don't live in bubbles 95% of the year and then suddenly get dragged to Bonnaroo and have their lives at risk. Yearh, it's hot in the south. It's hot in most of the world in the summer.
In my opinion, kids should be outside as often as possible - with preparation and simple safety, Bonnaroo isn't any more dangerous than a weekend spent at a busy beach. Let them live it up!
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!
haha- yep, that's the same little girl
She did lose a pair of ears, but we have several back-ups - so if you want to give it to some other Hello Kitty fan, that'd be great!
^^ Thanks to everyone for posting their opinions. I don't mean to push mine on anyone, I don't even have kids so who am I to tell someone how to raise theirs? I was just curious what different things people would say. You all have some very valid points, especially you, msbrandy...
A less biased poll would not have emphasized your obvious opinion in all caps as the desired choice. This would have been a great method of not pushing your opinion on people.