Family Guide: Bringing Your Kids to Where The Sheep Sleep

Where The Sheep Sleep is a radically inclusive space — but it’s not a free-for-all. As a parent, you are fully responsible for your child’s well-being, safety, and experience at all times. Many families have had positive, even life-changing experiences bringing their children to Burns. Kids can enjoy the creative, community-focused atmosphere—as long as there is proper preparation, supervision, and flexibility. While attending a burn with children is different than without, it can be just as magical. As with all burns, preparation and self reliance are key. Radical self-reliance applies to parenting too. Make sure you’re giving your kids the support, structure, and love they need — so they can thrive in this magical playground. 

This short guide will give you some tips and tools to do so, the most important being:

• Lower Your Expectations – Kids will change your burn. That’s not a loss—it’s a transformation. Plan less, take it slow, wander More, let curiosity guide you. 
• Ask for Help – Don’t be afraid to connect with other parents or volunteers.
• Give them moments to shine – Involve them in the principles, pick up a volunteer shift together, let them think about what they want to gift, work on outfits together etc. 
• Educate –  You are raising the next generation of burners! Talk with them about the 10 Principles in age-appropriate ways: Radical Inclusion, Consent, Participation, and Communal Effort are all beautiful lessons for young minds.
• Set boundaries Burns are full of new experiences — from artistic nudity to bold self-expression — that may be surprising or confusing for children. Create space for open conversations, and let them ask questions without shame or fear. At the same time, clear boundaries are essential. Make sure your child knows what’s okay and what’s not, where they can and can’t go, and how to recognize when something feels wrong or unsafe.