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AIBU?

To think this place stereotypes parents?

5 replies

SuiGeneris · 05/03/2014 20:35

A local outfit runs courses for families. Some of them sound really interesting so I looked to sign up. The courses reserved for men or expectant couples are in the evening, all the other ones are in the middle of the working day. No courses for men during the day, no general interest courses at night or weekends.
I get the impression that it is assumed that women don't work or work part-time so can attend middle of the week courses, while men work, so they get to go to the evening courses. Which totally puts me off. Aibu to assume this is what is behind the scheduling and to be put off? I know being put off is irrelevant as I would not be able to attend anyway (well, not without taking holiday, and time with the kids is already too limited to waste it on jollies).

OP posts:

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mumandboys123 · 05/03/2014 20:59

YABU and YANBU. Having worked in a similar sector for a while, I can assure you that daytime courses for mums and evening courses for couples and dads is what works in terms of numbers. If you don't get your numbers, you don't get your funding and/or you can't pay your bills (depends on whether they're run through the voluntary sector or are a private business). It is, of course, frustrating if you are the exception to the rule and aren't available at the stereotyped time - but chances are, you're on your own or one of a small number that make the course unviable to run.

Rock and a hard place.

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Anonymai · 05/03/2014 21:01

It'll be based on facts and figures, not stereotypes.

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MidniteScribbler · 05/03/2014 21:03

Can you put your name down and request they call if they get enough interest for a different time? Most places would be willing to run an extra course if numbers allow.

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usualsuspect33 · 05/03/2014 21:08

I imagine the idea behind the scheduling is that generally more mothers will be able to do the daytime courses.

That's not stereotyping, that's fact.

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SuiGeneris · 06/03/2014 11:42

Agreed on your points. Neatly also allows for price differentiation, since the only real option for working parents who want the advice is to pay for a private consultation.