How do you feel about children in the work place?

Question

I don't have kids, but I do love when my coworkers bring their kids in for a quick visit. Most people are really quiet about it and you wouldn't even know that they're there, but then there's one woman who basically has a parade when her daughter comes in.

Her husband joins her, they stand around and talk really loudly about how cute their daughter is (and she is, she's gorgeous) and everyone squeals and laughs at how cute she is and then everyone shares stories (all at the same time) about other cute kids.

Another woman has a baby who cries (surprise surprise) - instead of taking him into an office to avoid disturbing others, she bounces him up and down and talks louder over the cries. This goes on until someone asks her to leave.

My boss said yesterday that although people should be respectful and professional in the work place with regard to volume, we all have to make concessions for people with children.

Do you agree with this? Maybe because I don't have kids (he does) I just don't get his statement. If you do, can you explain?

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

I get annoyed with this idea that somehow little Johnny or Susie should always be the center of everyone's universe somehow......

Unless it's an emergency or a short visit, leave the kid at home or with a babysitter because it really is highly disruptive in a work enviroment.

I've worked places where the mother or father basically brought the kid to work and everyone else had to basically babysit for free while the mother or father was freed up to do THEIR job at the expense of others.

This one girl brought her snotty lil kid in one time and introduced him to me and I was NICE.......

Until he saw the cigarettes in my pocket and said, "You smoke?  My mommie says smoking will kill you" and then paused and added, "you're going to die........"

I snapped.

And came back with, "So are you if you don't get out of my cubicle!"

Couldn't help myself.....

Answer 2

Other than a quick and occasional visit, kids don't belong in the workplace.

Answer 3

No I don't agree.  Most people do not raise their children or teach them proper etiquette in public places.  EVERY PUBLIC PLACE IS NOT A PLAYGROUND.  

They're taught no boundaries, no respect for personal space and the parents act as if everyone should love their children and approve of their antics.  

I have always been a strict disciplinarian...there's a place for everything and everything in it's place.  Work is no place for children

Answer 4

I don't think it is appropriate to bring young children to the office. It is disruptive and isn't businesslike.