> I have seen this policy cause concern before.  I understand their
> point that children may be a distraction

> One problem with such situations is where to draw the line.  Some groups
(not just TOPS) make an absolute rule so they don't have to list a lot of
qualifications.  Unfortunately, in some cases where a generally quiet infant
would be accepted, some moms will start
> stretching the "limits"


"Where to draw the line" is with ANYONE who disrupts the class.  Just the
same as if an adult had a coughing fit, or the giggles, or was talking
loudly to her friends in class, she would be asked to leave the room, so
should a child that is crying or playing too loudly.  It should be a matter
of courtesy to the other paid members.  That's all that needs to be said in
the rules.  Sometimes adults are talking too loudly and unaware of how they
are distracting others in a meeting and we somehow must diplomatically ask
them to be quiet or leave, we would similarly speak to the mother of a
disruptive child.  Any rules beyond that are age discrimination to the
child.

Rules that actually speak to the direct problem are more useful, too.  Last
year my three year old participated in a multi-age summer play program at
our lake park while camping.  After a few days, a new rule was laid down,
that children under 4 must be accompaned by their parent - it seems one boy
in particular was disrupting the program, and since there was only one
teacher with many children to supervise, this ruined it for everyone.

Well, this summer that same boy was back, and he was still disruptive and
unable to work with the group, but now he was 4, and the rule didn't apply
to him!!!  Far better that they had just spoke to his mother and told her
that until he could cooperate with the group, she would have to stay and
supervise him.

I must also mention that breastfeeding IS covered by our provincial Human
Rights Legislation in Canada, in part on the basis of the right of the child
to be with its mother - so it is not an option for businesses to set rules
that are in opposition to our Human Rights Code.

Janice Reynolds
Moms For Milk Breastfeeding Network

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