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I need a meet! But have no accomodations for Cody who is 6. He'd have to come along.
I guess what I'm suggesting is, for those of you in the planning stages of a meet, how about lining up a sitter for those with kids? I'm perfectly willing to pay if it's fun for him and he's willing to go!
I'm hoping my daughter is going to come out with me to that meet. She is older and loves kids, and doesn't do to much as far as painting. So she'll be looking for something to keep her busy.
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3485 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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Donna, I've only been to 3 meets . . . and only took Emily to one, but she had a blast. There are always other kids and they paint and play.
I also made up some drawings of race cars and ran them off on a copier. Someone supplied markers and the kids supplied flames and stripes.
I could've easily taken her to the other two meets as there were kids at both. As for the meet itself, no worries, except basically making sure they don't destroy anything. I had to get on Emily . . . she kept starting panels, and painting obsessively . . . wonder where she gets THAT . . . lol
If he's not into signs and painting, bring along a Gameboy, or some other thing he gets into, but usually, there will be some carving or something going on that he will enjoy watching and participating in.
Also, most kids tend to get irritable when hungry. Emily does anyway, while I can go along all day without thinkin' to eat . . . so take along some snacks.
On the other hand, if ya wanna go out late with everyone be prepared to either not go, or take a tired kid along.
Hope this helps.
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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We brought our kids to LOTS of meets, but I will have to say some meets are more kid friendly than others. I think some of it has to do with where they are and how well the hosts prepare for or can accept kids. You have the right idea by asking here. There were a few meets that we went to that were outSTANDing for my boys. ONE was the Zoo in Cincinnati in 1994. They were just the right age (15 and 11) that we could turn them loose (for limited time) to wander. They still talk about that meet and they are 22 and 26 now. We plan to take them again this year, since they are both in the sign industry, to a reunion at the zoo. I would think that would be an awesome meet for kids! The boys also had a blast when they did their first walldog in Allerton Iowa 1993, but there again, Nancy had a wall set up just for the kids and it was a small enough town you didn't have to worry about them wandering off TOO far. I have GREAT photos of them helping their Dad pinstripe a fire engine and lettering on their own wall panels. I think if you contact the hosts and ask what is going on for kids or if there are any older kids you can team him up with as paid babysitters, you BOTH will have a blast. I would also think most hosts could tell you if they are set up for kids to attend. We always plan for kids when we have hosted a meet but I could also see how some meets would not be set up for kids "cruising the area". I guess it depends on the style and location of the meet.
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Donna, I started bring my kids to meets before they could walk. When Jake was three, he and I went to Gary Rhodes shop in Santa Cruz and pitched a tent by the creek. Jake could take his naps and we could carve right near the tent. I have pictures of him working on a painting that he spent hours on. If Cody can focus on things other than TV, he could have a blast and others will enjoy taking turns working with him. As long as there are ice cream breaks or something he finds fun, he'll do fine. Rural meets work better than industrial parks.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6714 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6714 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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we had 5 kids at Mass Mayhem last year, and I am sure a few more this year, JayZee brought his kids, at one point we had 3 generations of Zee's painting in the same room, with 4 Z's in their name thats 16 Z's.... makes me want to take a nap. Most meets will accomidate young Cody, no worries.
-------------------- Ken McTague, Concept Signs 57 Bridge St. (route 107) Salem MA 01970 1-978-745-5800 conceptsign@yahoo.com http://www.pinheadlounge.com/CaptainKen
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"A wise man once said that, or was it a wise guy?" Posts: 2425 | From: Salem, MA | Registered: Apr 1999
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Alot of good posts here.. Why would you attend a Meet where kids couldn't come??
I have HAD customers in the Past who didn't allow Kids in the Shop... No Prob I said, You won't have a problem then finding a Pinstriper who won't bring his kids...
My Dad brought us everywhere.. I love Seeing Kids at Letterheads or any Pinhead event.. I know that Brings families together... It did for us, even though we can't work for him still.. What he gave us four boys will last a lifetime....
Kids Rock!!! especially ones with Paint on their New Jeans..LOL.. But that's another post...
Now Bad Kids.... Uh oh.. That's why I bring the Bikes... At the First Mazeppa Muster I hardly ever saw my son, Well except around Lunch time for more money...
Donna as for the Money Issue.. It is very expensive to have to pay some of the entrance fees when you have 2 that want to go..
Half price or a discount rate would be a consideration for some of the meets.. Most of the time the T-shirts end up being Jammies anyways..
Posts: 84 | From: Gladstone , Michigan | Registered: Jun 2000
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MOST meets are family-friendly but if it is in a confined space (someone has it at their shop and it is small) or there aren't any kids for them to hang with or things for them to do, especially if they have a short attention span, it can be a LONG meet. Neither one of you will have much fun! I would just ask. As far as costs, a lot of meets will give discounted prices for additional family members. The host has to cover meals, but other supplies, like paint, panels, shirts, etc. could be optional. If the host says "Oh, sure! We have so&so bringing his daughter." or make some type of accomodations for you, by all means take him! If they hem and haw, "Well, we really hadn't planned on kids...." you will know right away. It really is up to the host, as far as what they feel comfortable with, have room for and are able to handle. I'd say, just ask.
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Any meet that I hosted was intended to be kid-friendly. Alas I am done hosting meets, so I can't offer up my services. One thing that I've noticed which is crucial when bringing a kid to a meet: Pay attention to your child! You wouldn't want them wasting panels or bugging people or generally misbehaving. (I know this would not pertain to you Donna) AND If your boy is over 15.....REALLY watch him and maybe give him a few condoms. Ask me how I know.... I've taken all 3 of my kids to meets. Some loved it, some got bored and bugged me to leave, thus putting a damper on "my" fun! Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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Thanks for the suggestions and advice, it's all great!
I've been to two meets. One would have been ok for kids, the other not. So I think it's an individual thing. Where it's held I would think would have a large impact.
How to tell if it's the right one for kids when registering? That's the question of the year. Jane is right, best to ask the hosts.
I can relate Jill. I can hear Cody whining he's tired and wants to go. LOL! A meet to me means stay up all night and slap paint and laugh and grab a pizza at 4am or so, right Sonny?
I just asked cody if he wanted to go to a meet where he could paint pictures all day long.
"No I not want to." LOL So there you have it!!!! Bahhh!
If you are intersted in bringing kids with you, please let the host know in advance of the meet. It gives then the opportunity to plan for them. A good host is more than happy to accomodate their guests.
Having non-toxic and water based paints on hand for the kids, foam brushes and hobby brushes can lead to some fun projects. They often come up with some of the coolest ideas.
Rapid
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
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