Is this a Crèche?

[SuperKingDuvet]

AIBU to be fed up at colleagues bringing their DC to the office after school to avoid paying for after school activities or a childminder?

We have two that do this both in the same department. One a manager, the other his PA.
The PA's child is Yr6, manager's is Yr7.

It's not every day, but was becoming more frequent until somebody (not management) said something and they took the hint.

My reasons for objecting are that the workplace is an adult space and I don't want to watch what I say or police my speech because tender ears are present. Ie, if we need to vent because work is stressful, then we want to be able to without worrying the DC might hear an occasional swear word!

YANBU if the Children are disruptive, rude and badly behaved - I would not tolerate that.

However, if the Children are sitting quietly out of the way and not impacting on the rest of the office goings on then I think that it is great. Let young people see what goes on in a work environment, see how the money is earn't that puts a roof over their head, and how hard it is.

I work in quite a relaxed office environment (own family business) and being a slave driver I put any young visitors to work, white boards need cleaning, paper shredding, photocopying, re-stocking trays for the printers etc.

Let young people see what goes on in a work environment, see how the money is earn't that puts a roof over their head, and how hard it is.

Couldn't agree more - and have been happy to get involved when it's been done. But that's not the same as trying to use a place of work for free childcare.

LurkingHusband was just thinking about the information security aspect - last time I saw children in an office was when I worked for a smallish company handling data on behalf of clients, including some extremely sensitive stuff. Someone brought s couple of teenage boys in for what I recall was the whole day and can imagine there would have been an issue there. The kids weren't fooling around too much but there were so many security measures around the data being worked on that the presence of the kids could well have been a breach

Exactly LH. Imagine if everyone in the office did this.

Our offices have a blanket ban on children other than babes in arms. A primary school age child fell down the stairs in our head office and broke his arm about 3 years ago.

I bring mine to my office most days after school. Have done since they were newborn ( when they stayed all day). But, it's my office, my rules, everyone working there knows they will be there before they join. They can decline job if they don't like it. I currently have one male employer who brings his 14 month old in 2 full days a week, and two women who's 6,9 and 11 year olds come in some afternoons after school (4-6pm ish).

I started working for myself for this reason. Freedom of having children and working around them. I allow others to do the same. As long as the works done I don't mind how or when.

I think it's great having a 'bring your child to work' day, agreed in advance, to show them what happens at work. Not all the time though.

On a side note, DD was frequently put to use by other teachers to help them with things/run messages so she's been well-prepared for the world of work (and doesn't want to be a teacher)!

I think it's great having a 'bring your child to work' day, agreed in advance, to show them what happens at work

As I said, it's a brilliant thing, for all sorts of reasons. Personally I'd argue not agreed in advance. So they get to see the real job, rather than the gee-whizz pantomime HR dream up arrange.

Tricky one but I think yab(a bit)u

They're old enough to sit quietly, the manager can make the rules and let the PA do the same.

It's also a tricky age for kids who want independence but if parents work long hours the kids aren't quite ready to be left home alone but too old for many after school childcare options (clubs are the only option that doesn't feel babyish but not many will find 5 days a week)

If they sit and get on with their homework I can't see the issue? In most workplaces I have been in expletives would be frowned on regardless

Imagine if everyone in the office did this.

If it gets to that level then banning it is fair enough. Right now though, everyone in the office doesn't do this. It's a bit like saying 'It would be bad for the economy if every parent quit work and stayed at home with their children so no one should be allowed to stay at home with their children.'

Yep I guess opinion will always be divided. I'm just grateful that the rest of the staff make provision for their childcare. I also feel it creates a bit of a 'them & us' situation and then they wonder why people get irritated.

I used to love going to work with my Dad - he worked in the haematology dept at a large NHS hospital in central London and whenever he was on call on a Saturday we were allowed to tag along, kit up in oversize lab coats, play in the labs with microscopes and slides - imagine the health and safety minefields these days if kids were roaming free while body fluids were being tested around them!

Anyhow, I think his colleagues hated him bringing us in even once a month! We'd put kids TV on in the lounge, cause chaos while they tried to work and were generally a pain in the arse. No idea why he kept taking us.

Bet your Dad's colleagues loved him!