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"Etiquette is not about being 'stuffy.' It's about putting yourself forward in the best possible way, using courtesy and respect for others as your guide, while still allowing your own personality to shine!"
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I help individuals and businesses polish their ability to stand out among their competition.
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etiquette or customer service questions.
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Kids are great. They can be funny, interesting, creative, smart ... they can bring a lot to the table. But there are times and places where they simply don't belong. So what happens when they show up anyway?
For example, you attend a regular book club, round table discussion, networking meeting, musical performance or lecture series, any type of event that is clearly for adults only. At some point, someone shows up with a young child in tow.
Ideally, if it is a one-time thing and the child is well-behaved, there is nothing to do. However, if it becomes a repeat performance or the child causes a disturbance, then something must be done, especially if the adult in question is not considerate of fellow attendees and does not immediately remove the child from the room.
1. If all attendees are of equal standing (meaning that there is no one person "in charge"), then feel free to speak up. If possible, suggest a break "so that _____ can take care of the baby." No, it's not necessarily subtle, but if a parent continues to expose others to a screaming baby or two year old's tantrum, you are past the point of subtlety anyway.
2. If there is someone in charge of the event, quietly speak to that person. He/she should be responsible for asking the adult to remove the child from the room should a disturbance occur.
3. Depending on your relationship with this person, speak directly to her. ""Sarah, this is rather awkward, but when little Zoe becomes upset during the program it is very difficult to hear what the speaker is saying. Is there anything I can do to help you out?" If the mother doesn't catch on and says the baby is just fussy, either grit your teeth and sit as far away as you can or come right out and address the problem openly but tactfully. That "fussiness" is disturbing the enjoyment of everyone else and that isn't fair.
4. Perhaps an open group discussion needs to be held to establish some ground rules as far as the age limit of attendees. "Yes, babysitters can be difficult to find, so little ones under a year old are welcome" or "No kids allowed. If you can't find childcare, we'll look forward to seeing you next time."
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Remember...
Rude behavior and disturbances of any kind can ruin an event; no one should be held hostage by the actions of others. The manner in which you respond to such behavior, however, speaks more about you than it does the other person. Responding in kind only results in two people behaving badly; responding with diplomacy, tact and courtesy speaks to your professionalism and people skills.
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Would you like to see archived editions of Etiquette Awareness?
Visit my website, here.
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Jodi Blackwood
Business Etiquette & Customer Service Specialist
Speaker & Seminar Leader
"Etiquette is about polishing your approach,
not changing who you are."
mailto:jodi@jodiblackwood.com
360-798-4912
www.jodiblackwood.com
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