he Veneroso Rules 2002

Teresa
•Don't assume you know where your kid is.
•Your child should not be dressed in regular clothes before closing, unless they are backstage.
•Tell your kid where they can and can't go, before they get in trouble.
•Make sure your child has a hard hat or helmet.
•Give them a job that is important but not too hard to keep them occupied, and let them feel important.
•Make them tell you what they are spending their money on, before you let them spend it, this way they are less likely to get ripped off.
•Before asking another child to look after your child, ask them what their plans are for that day. Other kids are not your babysitters.
•Always check up on your kid and how much water he or she is drinking.
•Don't depend on older kids to infotain.
•Make them tell you were they are going.
•Make time for them, they are your kids.
•Don't let your child touch any body else's stuff. Tell them always to ask permission of the person who owns it. Sometimes an adult will say go ahead and use it, but it isn't even theirs to say yes and then you get in trouble with the owner. Just don't touch other people's stuff.

Nick
•Don't force them, but ask them to share.
•If outside toys are the only thing that will keep them occupied it is okay, but only backstage.
•Introduce them to a lot of adults.
•Don't assume that children will make their own fun.
•You are responsible for your own child at all times.
•If a gig interferes with your ability to take care of your child, go home.
•Don't rely on other people to watch your kids.
•Females don't always want to baby sit.
•Kids shouldn't be relied on to play with your kid- especially older kids.
•Always have food they like.
•If you go as a family you operate as a family.
•If other kids have a problem with your kids- it is your kid's fault.
•Make sure kids are tied down during gigs they might interfere in.
•Don't bring toys your kids aren't willing to share lose or break.
•If all your kid does is sit backstage and play video games - let him.
•Keep kids clean- baby wipes are your friend.
•Always assume your kids will have no friends the first year.
•Let the kid pick his or her own friends.
•If you can't successfully balance gigs and kids then go home or don't bring them.

Christina
•Know the real names of the parents of the child with whom your child is playing.
Don't assume there will be food your child likes. Bring treats, even if they don't normally get them. A full child is a blood sugar happy baby.
•Expect your kid to get really dirty and bring clean clothes.
•A cranky, hot baby should not be told to "shut up". Always prepare for extreme weather, illness, etc.
•Have all medical information and medications handy.
•Have a picture of your kid on you in case something happens.
•Show them what security guards look like in case they are closer in a bad situation. Tell them to go to anybody working in a booth if they are lost or scared and say "I am afraid help me" and any boothie will help them. Never go back stage with anyone other than your parent or guardian. Never ever ever!
•The "say no to strangers rule" should be clearly stated and understood before the child is let out on the street.
•They need to know the difference between entertaining a customer and "ENTERTAINING" some freak. Never leave the site with any one your mother has not said you can go with at that moment.
•Have a secret word so if you must send someone to get your kid they can know the messenger is safe. Don't let the word leak out, but make it memorable, unconnected to the family or faire jargon. Disney or Power Rangers work well.
•Anticipate that all of your child's bad habits and behaviors will intensify at Faire.
•Anticipate that your child is bound to vomit, defecate etc, on his or her self so bring clean clothes.
•Wash your child's hands after they go to the bathroom- e-coli, giardia, salmonella and worms kill!
•Pick your child up- even if it doesn't fit in with your character or the gig.
•No public screaming at your child. No one wants to see it or hear it.
•Avoid the chance for your child to get themselves in trouble by structuring their lives completely- telling them the rules and enforcing them, providing them with entertainment, food, structured play, what ever works to keep your kid calm, happy and acceptable to all the old timers.
•Your child's first name should be his/her first name at all times - no different Faire first names.
•Don't expect people to clean up their language or stop talking about things you find inappropriate just because your child is there. If you don't want them to hear anything take them away. You are responsible for what your child is exposed to at faire. If they repeat something you deem inappropriate don't be surprised it is your own doing by bringing them out.
•Don't expect a small child to be successful in the privy. The privies are gross and a small child should not be exposed to that kind of filth without a parent to help and protect them.
•Any discomfort you may be going through will be exponentially greater for someone little. If you are hot- they are cooking. If you are chilly they are freezing. Never bring only light jackets or only long pants- a variety of options in clothing will decrease later discomfort. Layers Layers Layers. And make sure they will willingly wear what you bring. No Stupid Bunny Suits- if they don't willingly wear the clothes, it defeats the purpose of comfort or even bringing them. They should also not be dressed like beauty queens; kids need to play comfortably.
•Little kid shoes fill up with everything on the faire site- sometimes a cranky kid is one with too much stuff in their shoes.
•Infants should not camp out!!! Rent a hotel room or go home. A baby is not a happy camper nor will you be. All bad weather conditions get worse at night, so avoid the near occasion of sin. The walls of reality do not fade nor do they protect the small. Faire is not a place where common sense should be forgotten because you think you are safe. It is just the opposite. You should anticipate the worst from people and be on your guard. By just living the way you would in "real life" most of the problems people get into a faire would be avoided. You don't let your child roam free at the Santa Monica Pier, don't think you can here too.

We have been raised successfully here. Don't let us discourage you from bringing your child out to learn and grow here. It is a wonderful self-esteem builder and creates a child who is more comfortable with adults.

A child who is a good faire brat has a name of honor among us. We are not saying that any of these cautions are being stated as criticism of you or your ability to raise your child. We are merely imparting years of experience as kids and as faire brats. We have been watching people bring their kids out here for all of our lives and this is what we have learned and observed.

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© 2002, Christina, Nick, and Teresa Veneroso