To wonder if missing activities is a reasonable punishment?

[sweeneytoddsrazor]

This comes off the back of the paying for a missed music lesson thread. I run a Brownie unit and I ask that the girls pay for each session whether they attend or not.
Someone on there said as they had made a commitment to give up their time to tutor a child it is only right that the parents/child make the same commitment in return. No obviously that was their living whereas I am voluntary but I plan activities I make sure I have enough for all girls to do. I use annual leave to be able to take them to weekend/overnight activities. Is it really fair then for a parent to say oh well my child has been naughty at school so she cant attend this activity as a punishment.

I guess there is no right or wrong answer but it is frustrating.

When I was a youth leader it used to drive me mad. It doesn’t teach children anything about commitment either.

Leaders are going to the trouble to plan and provide the sessions so it’s rude to just not go as an easy punishment.

I disagree. When I was younger, my punishment would be to miss brownies/dance class etc. Makes sense to make the child miss a fun activity.
Sure it must be frustrating for you but its the same as if the child couldn't go due to illness/transport/holiday etc

I wouldn't make my children miss an activity. I tend to just turn the Wi-Fi off.

Illness can't be avoided and holiday is known in advance although as we only meet in term time tends not to be an issue.

Do they pay per session then? ours pay at the start of each term, for the whole term - its about £25 or so

I have in the past told a parent that I will not be used as a stick to beat her child with.

Most of them pay per term but a few pay by the session especially if they have siblings either in the Brownie unit or the attached Rainbow unit. We charge £2.50 a week.

Another Brownie Leader here. I have taken issue with parents several times when they've told me they've kept their daughter off as a punishment.
I've explained that I spend hours organising and planning, and often dash to Hobbycraft or wherever between work and Brownies, missing my dinner in the process, and if several parents keep their girls off on the same evening there wouldn't be enough girls to run a meeting.
Mostly, they are embarrassed, and it's never happened twice with the same girl.
You'd be surprised how many parents think we get paid for giving up our free time.