Children at Bonnaroo

March 5, 7:09 AMMusic Festivals ExaminerRain Blanken

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Bonnaroo holds so many opportunities for family fun.

Families are well accomodated at Bonnaroo. With Family Camping and Kidz Jam, kids and parents alike are given the resources for a fun family weekend. What the parents need to bring to the event is the dedication and responsibility.

Some might think that having kids at music festivals is not a good fit. What they might not realize is that responsible parents are consciously doing without a party weekend in order to offer an enriching experience that can strengthen the family bond.

At Bonnaroo, many patrons go not only for their favorite bands, but for that element of discovery that comes with riding a Ferris wheel, viewing the flames of the art at Such & Such, hoola-hooping among the crowd, or just eating a hot dog in the sun. Hey, that's the kid in you that loves those things, so what a great opportunity for cultural and social experiences for kids.

The key here is the responsibility of the parents. We have all probably had bad experiences, witnessing babies sweating in the heat without sunblock or drunk parents who can't find their kids. The problem here is not with the event, it is clearly with the parents. Irresponsible parents who would rather party than enjoy the weekend with the kids they brought.

Responsible parents at a festival are the ones that hit the sack early, give up dancing to bottle-feed in the middle of Les Claypool, and shop the t-shirt vendors with an 8 year old. They redirect the kids away from the drug and alcohol scene and instead lay a heavy focus on the art and people from around the country that they come across along the way. These are parents who hold their kids and dance to the music in the livingroom at home, and they want to share that live experience with the kids, too.

So if you see a parent doing a fantastic job with their kids at Bonnaroo, do not hesitate to give them a thumbs up and a kind word. It's easy enough for anyone to get a babysitter, but these dedicated parents decided to let the kids to experience what they love about the festival.

In the same vein, if you see a parent doing a horrible job, please immediately report it to the First Aid or Sherrif's tent. One neglecting parent spoils the reputation of all parents who try their best to transform the weekend into a magical experience for the kids. The authorities will be more than happy to deal with problem parents, and you could be ensuring the safety of a child.