Comments on: The kids (at Burning Man) are all right

By: Tracey TieF

Tracey TieF — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:14:38 +0000

We’ve Burned these past 2 years with our daughter, now 6 and will be in Kidsville again this year. She thinks that Burning Man is the most fun she has all year. What’s fun if you aren’t into sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll (or dub step)? Trampolines, light art, temples, playing all day, being dusty, getting gifted freezies, talking to bunnies and faeries, riding art cars, laying tricks, ball pits, tents, face paint, tutus, hoola hoops…. in fact, it’s hard to get out of Kidsville sometimes!

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By: MoonBunny

MoonBunny — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:39:43 +0000

I have camped at BRC’s largest camp, Kidsville.
The parents that I have met there have been nothing less than responsible and caring.
To see so many people working together, sharing, and playing together, old and young alike is more enriching to me than some of the other activities that take place on the playa during the burn.
If hedonism is your only goal, then perhaps you do not want to see children and young people enjoying the art and richness of a unique environment.
As for myself, I can well imagine that you can enjoy yourself and I can enjoy my family and friends, and if I feel that I’d rather run around playing squirt guns some where else while you do your thing, well, there’s room for that too.

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By: Jenn

Jenn — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:01:19 +0000

I always carry condoms on the playa because, well, you never know…

Whenever I see a kid doing something I’m not fond of, I look at the parents and toss a condom at em and say, ‘Use it next time!”

This shuts them up real good, and has the added benefit of teaching their kids about contraception and safe sex.

This is why I always try to camp next to Kidsville.

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By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:44:54 +0000

I’m not a big fan of children at the event mostly because some parents seem to be trying to redefine radical self expression and what should and should not be allowed on the playa. I’ve heard some parents suggest that what was acceptable before be hidden away or no longer permitted because while during their early years of burning it was fun but now the event needs to be more family friendly because they want to bring their kids. Something like Bianca’s Smut Shack would never happen again.

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By: Mutant vehicle owners of America

Mutant vehicle owners of America — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:30:17 +0000

Kidsville will be empty this year. How many families do you think could have received enough tickets through the lottery scam for a family of 2, 3, or 4? My guess is none.

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By: JV

JV — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:01:13 +0000

I’ve got 3 kids, haven’t brought them to the playa yet simply because BM is my one child-free week a year. However, I love seeing kids out there. As another commenter mentioned, it’s just a party if not everyone is invited. What I love about BM is that it’s not just a party, it’s a community with representatives from every stage of life. Sure, I’ve seen what I thought was irresponsible parenting on the playa, but not nearly as often as I’ve seen the same in the default world.

Also, I’ve never seen a child in a camp or area that is engaging in clearly adult-only behavior. People on both sides are pretty aware of those kinds of boundaries. As for the nudity, well, everyone has different ideas about that, but I highly doubt a kid is gonna be damaged by seeing naked people. I’ve brought my kids to the SF Decompression and while they make comments and giggle a little to themselves, they’ve already been taught that bodies are bodies, some people like to show more than others.

I agree with Thermal that if you see a situation where a parent is clearly being irresponsible with their offspring, you should step up and say something. That goes for on and off the playa. We’re a community of humans wherever we go, and sometimes people make mistakes. A quick reminder can help, even if the person reacts negatively. Hell, I’ve needed reminders in my parenting life, and the times I’ve gotten them stick with me and inform future behavior.

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By: Lolipop

Lolipop — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:16:45 +0000

@Thermal

“How’s that for “clarity”?”

it’s clear that people like you should be avoided.

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By: harinama

harinama — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 20:40:29 +0000

I’m always happy to see children at BRC. It shows that it appeals to all ages.

I do worry sometimes, however, if the parents are as focused on the child’s welfare as they should be…

I’ll never forget seeing a 3yr old go up and down the WEDGE alone a dozen times a few years ago, while his folks danced mindlessly, often out of sight at the bottom. He was fearless, but i was scared for him!

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By: Thermal

Thermal — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:41:46 +0000

in response to “Part of being a parent is knowing that you really can’t tell other parents how to raise their kids. Does it stop them from doing so? Not always.”
? what is the purpose of this comment, are you saying people shouldn’t say anything when a parent is clearly failing at their job??

Sometimes people SHOULD step in and tell a parent to do better, in fact, there is an obligation to say something in some cases. This is throughout the world, not just at burning man. I was at the grocery store and witnessed a much older&bigger son wailing on a much younger&smaller son. This was RIGHT NEXT to the “mother”. I think the older son’s elbow was probably hitting her mid-blow, they were that close. She didn’t bat an eye, just stared into the abyss. That was no regular beating either, that was full-on abuse and the little kid was in clear distress.
So, the lesson is: Don’t be afraid to tell a parent they are doing a crappy job, people!
At BMan or anywhere.

How’s that for “clarity”?

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By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:29:23 +0000

“Community” is something that exists 24/7/365. But that doesn’t mean kids have to be present at every single activity or event engaged in by adults.

What’s wrong with having a week-long “party” without kids?

There are places I would rather not encounter children. This is one.

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