I love Summerfest. I love kids. But frankly, sometimes the two don’t mix.
My husband and I have taken our kids to Summerfest since they were very young. We’ve spent hours upon hours chasing them through the PlayZone (really hard), searching for food they would like (not too hard) and looking for entertainment that would hold their interest (pretty hard.) Some years they enjoyed themselves, others, not so much. Every visit was different.
One thing was the same year after year. When the sun went down, we went home. In fact, I think our kids were 13 years old before we stayed at Summerfest with kids after dark. Now, they are obviously old enough to be there when it’s dark, but I still worry.
Apparently, some parents feel differently than I do. Last Thursday, I saw several parents with infants and toddlers at 11:30pm. That’s 11:30 pm. I’m sorry, but that’s just wrong.
Let’s talk about the good reasons for having a very young child at Summerfest at that hour: …………………….
That’s right, there are none.
I’m a grown woman and I feel rather uncomfortable in the aggressive crowds at 11:30 pm at Summerfest. Imagine being 2 years old and being there. You’re exhausted. You’re hanging on to your mom or dad for dear life as people bump into you, spill beer on you and, if you’re in a stroller, flick cigarettes in your face.
I know that Summerfest is expensive and that babysitters are expensive. Not everyone can do both. I’m suggesting that if you can’t do both, then go home when it gets dark. It truly is one of the toughest aspects of parenting – sacrificing your social life for your kids. But really, it’s the right thing to do.
Besides, before you know it, your kids will be old enough to be at Summerfest after dark. Believe me when I say that’s when it gets really hard.
