More Information about Children at our Weekends of Music
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- Can families participate fully?
- What if I want a break from my children?
- How does it really work?
- Does the family programming affect the adults?
- Can I talk to a person?
- Enjoy yourself!
Can families and
their children participate fully?
All
of our weekends have opportunities for families and children to
participate in the programs. In order to plan age appropriate
activities for children, we must know in advance so that we add these
activities. We will also advise you which adult activities are
especially children friendly. The facilities are generally
children friendly. We have been able to arrange for a very low rate on
our Fall weekends for children, and we
want this weekend to be
especially
welcoming for families. On all weekends we try to put families in rooms
near each other. This allows the babysitter/youth activities
coordinator to use one room for a sleeping room for the younger
children and one as a quiet play room for older ones during the
evening concert. We work out these arrangements with the parents. ... To top of pageWill
there be only workshops for adults?
There will be a number of
workshops
that children can enjoy. If possible, we’d like families to
register at least one month in advance. Once we know the ages of the
children, we can design workshops around them. Be aware that most
workshops are at least an hour and younger children may not have the
patience to stay the whole time. A parent or responsible adult needs
to be at the workshops with the children. ... To top of pageWhat if
I’d like a break from my children?
When we have four or more
children, we
will provide a babysitter or youth activities coordinator for around 2 hours during the day and for
the evening concert(s). There will not be babysitting at the same time
as a family workshop. The exact times and the activities depend on
the ages of the children and the interests of those who wish to take
advantage of this service. We work out the details with the parents
at the weekend. If there are enough teenagers, we can set up
something for them. The FMSNY pays for the babysitter, but if you use
this service, a small tip is often appreciated. ... To top of pageHow
does it really work?
Babysitting allows parents to take
advantage of some of the workshops and the concert. Interacting with
other parents, and of course the folk music community has always been
very special. To be surrounded by music, not only in the workshops,
but all around as people play and sing wherever there is space, is
soothing and exciting all at once. It is a time to share with your
child a love of making one’s own music, away from distractions such
as TV and video games. We try to set up a situation where you can
have some adult experiences as well as those you share with your
children. ... To top of pageI have no children. How will the family
programming affect me?
These weekends are meant for adults.
Providing a program for the children and babysitting helps our
participants enjoy having the children around without having them
disturb the workshops. Parents are still responsible for their
children. Our family workshops usually include participants who do
not have children with them. They may be teachers who need some
ideas, people who like that specific workshop and those who enjoy
being with children. ... To top of pageI have more questions, can I talk to a person?
If
you have questions about the children on these weekends, please call the Folk Music
Society's Program Chair, Eileen Pentel at 718-672-6399. . To top of pageBe prepared to enjoy yourself.