Taking babies to special events

[cartaverde 12]

As long as the kids are able to behave, don't run and shriek around, and don't make noise, I don't around.

When they are loud or shriek around, I do mind. I don't care if it's an adult, teenager, baby, dog, or something else, but I just don't like people or things that are on wrong noise levels in public places. This being especially in places that I pay to be in - cinemas, expensive restaurants, airplanes etc.

[pedroh 21]

I don't think its being disrespectful, it's just polite.. some people don't like kids, if they want to invite you to their house for a party or reunion, and they don't want to invite your kids, it doesn't mean disrespect IMO.. some people just can't handle kids, and you can't make them like your kids just because.. true, in some cultures, inviting someone means inviting the whole family, but to some others it doesn't apply.. is just politeness and ettiquette.. you can't assume in social or special events...

[chri'stina 190]

I don't think its being disrespectful, it's just polite.. some people don't like kids, if they want to invite you to their house for a party or reunion, and they don't want to invite your kids, it doesn't mean disrespect IMO.. some people just can't handle kids, and you can't make them like your kids just because.. true, in some cultures, inviting someone means inviting the whole family, but to some others it doesn't apply.. is just politeness and ettiquette.. you can't assume in social or special events...

I agree. People shouldn't be extreme either way IMO. I don't see why anyone would be offended if their invite to something said no children please. And they shouldn't be offended if someone invites the whole fam to an event. It's not that huge of a deal to me.

Mags, the way you feel about babies is basically how I feel about cats. I am allergic to cats on top of it so that doesn't help.

[Sister Fracas 5]

I don't think its being disrespectful, it's just polite.. some people don't like kids, if they want to invite you to their house for a party or reunion, and they don't want to invite your kids, it doesn't mean disrespect IMO.. some people just can't handle kids, and you can't make them like your kids just because.. true, in some cultures, inviting someone means inviting the whole family, but to some others it doesn't apply.. is just politeness and ettiquette.. you can't assume in social or special events...

and it's not even about not liking kids, but not having an appropriate environment for kids to hang out in if you invite them over. We had a party earlier this year and one person wanted to bring her two kids (including one who is autistic)...we HAD to say no. We are in an apartment on the 11th floor, therefore no yard to play in, we have two cats to worry about (both who DON'T like kids), we were serving spicy ethnic food (and I wasn't about to make hot dogs in the microwave), there was going to be booze and just nothing for them to do. AND I didn't want to subject my guests to to little kids. As the hosts, we had to think about our guests as well, none of whom have small children.

Why does ANYONE assume that if there is just one name on an invitation that it's open season to invite anyone else....including a spouse? I would never assume that. If it seemed likely that my husband would be invited, I'd ask. I dunno...I think some people can't see themselves doing ANYTHING without their spouses or children. *shrug* And why can't dad watch the family if mum gets invited to a shower or other traditionally all-female gathering?

[almaty 19]

i agree sister fracas..some events and enviroments are just set-ups for kids..who become bored and want to entertain themselves..just because you are having fun..does not meant the youngster will enjoy the same event

[derekkj 0]

and it's not even about not liking kids, but not having an appropriate environment for kids to hang out in if you invite them over. We had a party earlier this year and one person wanted to bring her two kids (including one who is autistic)...we HAD to say no. We are in an apartment on the 11th floor, therefore no yard to play in, we have two cats to worry about (both who DON'T like kids), we were serving spicy ethnic food (and I wasn't about to make hot dogs in the microwave), there was going to be booze and just nothing for them to do. AND I didn't want to subject my guests to to little kids. As the hosts, we had to think about our guests as well, none of whom have small children.

Why does ANYONE assume that if there is just one name on an invitation that it's open season to invite anyone else....including a spouse? I would never assume that. If it seemed likely that my husband would be invited, I'd ask. I dunno...I think some people can't see themselves doing ANYTHING without their spouses or children. *shrug* And why can't dad watch the family if mum gets invited to a shower or other traditionally all-female gathering?

Wow, you just read my mind, Frances! My husband and I would love to invite a coworker and wife over to our home for dinner. But said coworker and wife have already stated that they do not go anywhere where their kids (a 6 month and 12 year old) are not invited to as well. We also live in an apartment that is quite small and there just isn't any room other than our bedroom for the kids to play in while we adults get together. Any self-respecting 12 year old would be bored silly and honestly I don't want one in our bedroom. So, now we are thinking of inviting them to join us at a kid friendly restaurant.

[Sinergy 3]

It isn't that your baby isn't welcome--everyone loves babies!!--it is that babies act like babies. It is possible that someone has a baby that will be quiet and behaved. But, by nature, babies do not understand the word "behave". At the very least, if you have a baby, please sit toward the rear do that if your baby does act up, you can leave the area to deal with your child.

As an aside, I think one of our problems as a nation is that we think our children are special. They are special--but only to us parents. They are a nuisance to everyone else. If you have ever tripped over a roving toddler, for example, you know what I mean. Put the situation in perspective. If you child was having their sweet sixteen party and someone brought a newborn--how would you feel?? Would that not distract from the focus of the event??

First of all, not everyone loves babies. I personally do not. At my old job if someone brought in a newborn baby I always walked in the opposite direction; they just mean nothing to me, I feel nothing. As for the rest of your post it is spot on. If I'm in a restaurant and there is a wailing baby at the next table I automatically lose my appetite. If the parent pays no attention to the noise their baby is making (which is p!ssing off everyone else in the restaurant) then I'll also get really mad. Rude, inconsiderate parents who think that their child's feelings are more important than anyone else in the room. Maybe to them they are, but have a little thought and care about the people who have paid money to come out and eat and it is now ruined because you can't keep your baby quiet.

This is just my own personal opinion of course, I'm not expecting everyone to agree with me.

wanna babysit??

Thing is although I can't stand the little buggars I'm actually really good with them. They always do what I tell them and behave. I have fun with them, make 'em laugh, we have loads of fun and I have tons of patience. But I still don't like 'em! How fcuked up is that, eh?

Can you teach me how to get MY kids to listen and behave? LMAO, for someone who doesnt like kids would be a great asset to me

[rebeccajo 14]

i agree sister fracas..some events and enviroments are just set-ups for kids..who become bored and want to entertain themselves..just because you are having fun..does not meant the youngster will enjoy the same event

Right there is the essence of the matter.

Kids get bored and kids get tired. They need naptime or they need food. They don't need to drug around to every event the parents get invited too. The world doesn't revolve around them.

[Fandango 1,439]

When I used to manage this chain of salons, I made a sign:

Children are sweet

Children are fun

But Please leave them home

when you get your nails done!

lol

I don't think it's rude to say 'no children' for certain events. And if the parent wants to forego the occasion because of it, that's fine too!

Edited October 16, 2007 by LisaD

[Amby 490]

neil's mom hates kids too but has a blast with thelittle ones...you two can hang out and baby bash lol

Well you are in IN, albeit about 2/3 hours south of us!

she's still in england thank the lord

[Ban Hammer 13,333]

When I used to manage this chain of salons, I made a sign:

Children are sweet

Children are fun

But Please leave them home

when you get your nails done!

lol

I don't think it's rude to say 'no children' for certain events. And if the parent wants to forego the occasion because of it, that's fine too!

i always thought this sign would work wonders

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Ever spend a couple of hours in a movie near someone with a baby

As I said earlier, some parents aren't doing all that great with their parenting. Dragging a baby into a movie certainly shows some very poor judgement on the parents part.

[DeadPoolX 9]

Like most things, it all depends on the situation and circumstances.

As most have said already, if the event (whatever it's going to be) is being held at a five-star restaurant, then no, you don't bring your little children. That would be an adult-only situation. You might be able to get away with bringing a child if they were at least eight years old (preferably older). Once a kid reaches his or her teenage years, then they could probably behave themselves long enough to function as an "adult" in public. However, if you have children who're very young (under six years of age, for instance), then they simply do not belong at such an event.

I'm sorry if that sounds rude, but it would be unfair to the other adults there and equally unfair to the children -- how entertained do you think they would be at some "classy restaurant" where everyone is talking about "dull grownup stuff?" There would no toys, no cartoons, no video games and no other children to play with! They'd be bored out of their minds! I'm an adult and sometimes even I can get bored at these sorts of functions, so I can't imagine how a four year-old would feel!

So it's not all about "we don't want your kid there." It's also because your kid probably wouldn't understand what's going on at that young age (and wouldn't want to, either) and literally be counting the minutes until it's time to go home.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

As an aside, I think one of our problems as a nation is that we think our children are special. They are special--but only to us parents. They are a nuisance to everyone else.

The attitude expressed in the bold part is the problem we as a nation have. There are a lot of ill behaved children out there these days and that is a concern because somehow it indicates that parents are not doing what they need to do: parenting. But a child is never a nuisance. Ever.

Excellent point.

[Ban Hammer 13,333]

But a child is never a nuisance. Ever.

you need to sit in front of one that is kicking your seat for a 12 hour flight