Should Kids Be Allowed at Pampered Chef Team Meetings?

[DebbieSAChef]

Nasty vibe?I am not getting a nasty vibe. We are all adults and can talk about our opinions and about our meetings without being overly aggressive or rude.

At least I think most of us can right???

You are right though it is up to the director to decide what she wants for the meetings. I know it may be distracting to have a child at a meeting but if it's an emergency or if it's just a one time thing, it shouldn't be a problem. If I were a director I would want my recruits to be there no matter what. Sometimes that encouragement and information is very valuable and can sometimes make or break your sales for the month ahead.

I personally like leaving my kids at home and my kids never expressed a desire to go to a meeting. They like to stay home with dad, eat pizza, watch movies, and play games!!

But not everyone has that option. To say to someone if you can't get a babysitter, then you shouldn't come is really rude and cold. I agree that one shouldn't bring a child to EVERY meeting if the other moms don't bring theirs, but I only think emergencies are ok! Everyone is different.

Debbie

 

[ShanaSmith]

Marlene, I agree completely! I am a director also and have a strick no kids (except nursing) policy. I do send my husband and son out for the evening. They usually are around for the last part of the meeting, but not until the business is complete. If a consultant can't come to a meeting I am happy to set one on one time with them... and if they need to bring a kid then that's fine.

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Wow

Marlene, I agree completely! I am a director also and have a strick no kids (except nursing) policy. I do send my husband and son out for the evening. They usually are around for the last part of the meeting, but not until the business is complete. If a consultant can't come to a meeting I am happy to set one on one time with them... and if they need to bring a kid then that's fine.

You set up one to one time, that's great!!! I think you are doing a wonderful job. Not all directors can or will do that. That is going the extra mile for your recruits and that's wonderful! Keep up the good work.

Debbie

 

[fruit76loop]

To say to someone if you can't get a babysitter, then you shouldn't come is really rude and cold.

I understand where you are coming from. I have real examples of why this won't work: A good friend of mine was registered for Leadership (paid) and had her plane ticket (non-refundable) bought. She had a last minute problem with a babysitter and was not able to go to Leadership. Was it rude and cold for Pampered Chef to tell her that no she couldn't come to Leadership? I think not.

When you have a 9-5 job, is it rude and cold for them to tell you that you can't bring your children to work because your babysitter is sick? I think not.

Just let me make one thing clear, I started this business 4 years ago so I could stay at home with my daughter, so my children have been raised in the business and they are the reason why I am where I am today in the company.

But, this is my business and I treat it like a business. If you choose not to treat it like any other business...then of course that is fine because it is your business.

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Yep

I understand where you are coming from. I have real examples of why this won't work: A good friend of mine was registered for Leadership (paid) and had her plane ticket (non-refundable) bought. She had a last minute problem with a babysitter and was not able to go to Leadership. Was it rude and cold for Pampered Chef to tell her that no she couldn't come to Leadership? I think not.

When you have a 9-5 job, is it rude and cold for them to tell you that you can't bring your children to work because your babysitter is sick? I think not.

Just let me make one thing clear, I started this business 4 years ago so I could stay at home with my daughter, so my children have been raised in the business and they are the reason why I am where I am today in the company.

But, this is my business and I treat it like a business. If you choose not to treat it like any other business...then of course that is fine because it is your business.

Yep that's what I said, everyone is different. And that is why many of us left the jobs of the world, the corporate world that was very strict and not very family friendly with their policies to have our own businesses.
I never had a problem with a babysitter, so I wouldn't know what that is like, but if I did I am sure there would be no other choice than to miss work. I think more better run businesses and corporations are starting to see that mothers need support and encouragement to stay in the work place and are offering daycares in the same office buildings. I think that's great. But I know not everyone can offer that.
To have a babysitter problem when on the way to Leadership is a totally different situation. An unfortunate one.
Planning for leadership months in advance and going to a meeting are two different things. I would not expect PC to refund anyone anything or to let her come to the Leadership. Having someone told they can't come to a Director's house with a child, in an emergency is a little thoughtless.
We never know when we might end up in the same situation. I would want people to be understanding.

If that policy works for you, that's great. I am just voicing my opinion and being a mother of four kids, I would never mind being around kids. Especially in an emergency.

Debbie

 

[gilliandanielle]

I am almost a director and will have my own meetings soon. They will be small at first, so it won't be a huge deal to have kids here. I agree that I would rather have my downline here with kids than not at all.

 

[Paige Dixon]

I am also a single mom and it is frusterating to get a babysitter on yet another night. It's even more frusterating to be away from my children for yet another night.

However, rather than run my own meetings which I would encourage children to be able to attend, I'm still mooching off my director's meetings. I think the time involved to plan my own meeting for such a tiny (and often nobody from my group even shows up!) group is more effort than being away from them for 2 more hours. However, if I ever quit mooching off of my director's meetings, I will definately allow children!

PS I've always wanted to have a retail establishment just so I can have a sign that reads, "Nurslings are welcome here!" Just last week the lady at Copy Max asked my not to nurse there any longer (I guess they'd rather have the walls rattle while my youngest screams while waiting for my copies!). I think if she asks again I'll ask if she requests that pacifier sucking and bottle sucking babies not be in the store either.

 

[adventurechef]

This does seem to be a hot topic.

Children, spouses, etc are not allowed at official PC meetings, that is a given, as Marlene posted from company guidelines. The guidelines also suggested alternatives including "If you are a nursing mother and find that you need to feed your baby during a meeting, schedule your time to meet with your childcare provider between General Sessions and Workshops, so that you can be with your baby at critical times. You can also arrange for another Consultant to take notes if you need to be away from the meeting."

As a consultant, director, etc. this is your business to run how you see fit. If you do not want children at your meeting that is your perogative. I don't think you should hide behind "company policy", just say "this is how I run my business - no offense". Any reasonable person should understand.

I think suggesting alternatives might be a softer way than to just saying no.

Now, I was not suggesting to send the host's children to McDonald's for 2 hours - the children do not have to be in the same room as the meeting. Marlene had a great suggestion - her "children are in my house while the meeting is taking place on a different floor, but they are not at the meeting."

If it is a meeting where children are allowed (due to no sitter, what-ever) they should not be active participants in the meeting but either in another room or quietly doing homework in the back, not running around like it's a day-care. Again, every parent knows their child and how they would be in certain situations. That consultant should also be respectful of other consultants at the meeting, and, if the child is being disruptive remove them from the situation.

I think it is great that there are so many different ways to run cluster meetings - with kids, without kids, in people's homes, in restaurants, in offices, etc.

As I mentioned earlier it is your business to run as you see fit. If you want the casual-style meeting go for it. You want the more business-like meeting go for it. There is no wrong or right. Only you will know what feels right for you. Just realize that other people have different styles and there may have to be compromises or adjustments somewhere along the line. Also, we are here to help each other by suggesting alternatives and different points of view. Not to say this is my way or the highway.

Another 2 cents, Linda

 

[KellyRedHead]

I have to agree with Linda. This is our business and we can run it the way we want. If this is the way my Director wants to run her meetings, then I guess I have to except that and move on (not that I am happy about it) I will probably be missing meetings I would like to attend and awards (they are only given out at meetings, only if you attend). This will be my choice to miss the meetings I would love to attend. My intend to have my daughter attend last nights meeting, was so I wouldn't be driving 45 mins by myself in so, so weather (not a big fan of driving at night) and to see what I do (or could be doing) with my business, because I do this for us to have better things in our lives.

I was in no way informed that kids were not allowed at meetings. We had a new consultant breakfast and someone brought their son, so I thought it was fine?!

I have a husband at home, but works for the highway dept and with the snow we have received lately in New York has been working his tail off, so he wasn't home to watch both kids, so my Mom usually will take them both or one depending how she is feeling (she is in her mid 70's).

I appreciate everyones opinions and I know when I reach Director status and have my own meeting, I will allow children. I would rather have my team there then have to stay home. I think it will depend on how you run your meetings and having your consultants understand that if your child is distracting they will see about getting their child to settle down.

With all that said, my intent was never to have any of my fellow cheffers getting upset with one another. We are all adults here and lean on each other for support and training.

When I asked for opinions, I said it was fine if you agreed with my director, I just want your opinion and I was willing to accept that was your thoughts.
So please, remember everyone doesn't things different and that is just the way things are.

Thanks again for everyone's input!

Kelly

 

[ChefLisa]

My Director has a 'no children' policy except for nursing Moms. I am starting my own meetings and will have the same rule.

I have a husband who can watch my three children most of the time, but he does travel sometimes. When that happens, I have a friend who watches them. I really want to get the most out of the short time I meet with my team on a monthly basis.

I understand that some 13 year olds are mature enough to sit still during a meeting. I also know of quite a few who are not mature enough. The problem comes when some parents think their child can handle the time, but they cannot. The rules Directors set for this are to ensure each Consultant is treated equally.

Think back to a show you did where a host or customer had children there and they did not sit still. Did you loose your concentration? I know that has happened to me several times. How did that make you feel?

When I begin my meetings at my home, my goal is to have my husband take them out for a while because, while the family can go upstairs, noise travels too well in my home. I do not want the distraction for my team or myself. I know there will be times when I have no choice but to keep them there and we will work it out. If noise did not travel in my home, I would have no problem keeping the family there.

Lisa

 

[baychef]

Being a director I have seen both sides of this issue. My general rule is no children and not because I don't have children or I dislike children. One meeting a Mom brought her 2 children. One an infant and the other watched videos and was a perfect angel. The next meeting the older child wanted Mom's attention and the baby was fussy. Not only was Mom distracted, but everyone else was too.
Another meeting a Mom brought her son who was 1 year old and he was the perfect angel.
Last year to introduce the fall/winter line it was a disaster...too long of a post...let's just say that out of 9 consultants only about 3 of them got any thing out of the meeting!! To introduce the spring/summer line, we again had children. Mainly the children were very good. Almost all of these Mom's were the only parent because their fathers are deployed in the Middle East. I understand the dilema completely...however...

Please hear me from a Director's prospective! I have 2 hours a month to pack in all the training I can. Phone time and e-mails are good, but they do not replace face to face meetings. They do not replace idea sharing. This is the only time I have to get everyone pumped up to help keep them motivated through the next month. That is the purpose of the monthly gathering. I love children! I work in a school district!! But the purpose of the monthly meeting is to help consultants and to help them achieve more for their families also. I find that unfortunately, most times, even when the child is good, someone is distracted or has to leave the room to tend to a child's needs. Those that don't bring their children start resenting the children and/or the consultant that is the child's mother's.

At our meeting place we do have a play room but it is right next to where we hold our meeting. I know that there would still be distractions even if we had child care.

It does vary from meeting to meeting. As our team has been growing I have had to nip the no children at our trainings/meetings. It is MY job to help YOU grow and I can't do that when there are distractions. I wish there was a way we could accomodate all situations, but each Director has to work out things their way. I am so glad that some of you are able to bring your children and it is working for your cluster!
Ann

 

[nikkijo]

While your 13 yo is well behaved, others may not be. When we had our monthly meeting one person brought her boys (guessing age 8-13) they went into one of the bedrooms to play video games. They interrupted the meeting at least 3 times for questions. Now keep in mind I don't have kids, but I was starting to get annoyed by this.

Your director is just running the meetings like a business, how can you say ok to one parent but not another?

 

[rebeccastt]

For those of you who feel it is o.k. to bring children to meetings, how would you handle colleagues who have children there that are a constant interruption? It seems many/most of you have well behaved children who sit in another room quietly, but what would you say to a fellow consultant who brought children that were a distraction to all?

My director allows children at meetings. Last Monday we had three boys (4-8yrs.) who were good boys, however they were a distraction due to questions, wanting to see Mommy, etc. I have a son and was a teacher for many years so I LOVE children. Most times, I do not like having children at our meetings because it is distracting. I leave my son with my husband or parents and if I can't find a sitter, do not go. I don't bring him because I do not want others, or myself, to be distracted and I want to get the most I can out of my training.

I think allowing exceptions could cause an unfair climate. This goes back to my first question in my post. How do you handle parents/kids who ARE distracting. Since my director allows children, it has opened the door to having kids there all the time. One meeting we had 7 children there running in and out of the room. Should she have to tell them to keep their kids quiet? I think it would be extremely awkward to have to tell someone that their kids are a disruption.

When I become a director, I will have a no children policy; NOT because I do not love kids, or because I am cruel or cold as someone stated previously. I want to be fair to ALL consultants and to provide a training that will be beneficial to all. I think it would be great to meet one-on-one with those consultants who were unable to come to a meeting a time or two due to sitter issues.

I think it is just a matter of being respectful to all colleagues. The purpose of a training meeting is to get training. Directors work hard to plan the meetings and make it the best they can.

 

[DebbieSAChef]

We never had a problem.I don't think it's appropriate for every meeting to have a child, just in emergencies.
For example one of our team members had a babysitter get really sick that same week with the flu and so she brought her son. He was good.
I think the director's kids interupt more than anyone and after they apologize I tell them they don't have to. They are mom first and even for two hours once a month, when your kids are in the house, it's hard to ignore them when they are used to a routine. I thought dad was being a little to lenient in letting the two year old keep coming downstairs but that's just my personal opinion. My husband would have put up the baby gate and bribed my two year old with popcorn and a movie, or a spanking...LOL
Anyway...
In emergency situations we have never had a problem. There have only been about 2 emergencies in the two years 3 months I have been doing this. I don't agree they should be there all the time, although I wouldn't mind personally. But it has never happened at our meetings. Our meetings are usually small with only about 6-10 people per meeting.
The moms enjoy getting away from their kids for a while to focus on PC and we have all expressed our feelings on that, but our director still ok with us bringing them if we want.
Debbie

 

[rebeccastt]

So does your director say "no kids unless there is an emergency"?

 

[chefjeanine]

I think allowing exceptions could cause an unfair climate. This goes back to my first question in my post. How do you handle parents/kids who ARE distracting. Since my director allows children, it has opened the door to having kids there all the time. One meeting we had 7 children there running in and out of the room. Should she have to tell them to keep their kids quiet? I think it would be extremely awkward to have to tell someone that their kids are a disruption.

When I become a director, I will have a no children policy; NOT because I do not love kids, or because I am cruel or cold as someone stated previously. I want to be fair to ALL consultants and to provide a training that will be beneficial to all. I think it would be great to meet one-on-one with those consultants who were unable to come to a meeting a time or two due to sitter issues.

I think it is just a matter of being respectful to all colleagues. The purpose of a training meeting is to get training. Directors work hard to plan the meetings and make it the best they can.

Rebecca,

You put this SO well! When I'm a Director, I will also have a no childern policy. The problem with "emergency" exceptions is that these things tend to snowball and people think it's okay to continue with that behavior.

I believe that attending business meetings is essential for growth. For this reason I think the first thing that should go on your calendar each month is your Cluster or Team Meeting, then non-business (family/church) obligations and finally your shows. I know many (most?) of you will not agree with me on this point and that will have to be okay. Just understand that some of us take these meetings VERY seriously and feel they should be treated with as much respect as National Conference/Leadership.

As I stated in my previous post, it is not easy for a Director to have a "no children" policy. I think the tone of this thread shows why. But I think it's important because even a quiet child is a distraction.

 

[sillylittlechef]

I am unable to go to cluster meetings because my cluster is in Minnesota, I'm in Illinois, and for some unknown reason HO and my director can't seem to find hospitality for me. I am quite frustrated by this as it has been since November trying to find one----and I'm not allowed to do this on my own....(any one out there (sw suburbs chicago who will take me in?)
There have been comments about no children being allowed at any official PC meeting....since when are cluster meeting official PC meetings? This frustrates me as we emphasize to our recruits that this is their own business and they can run it however they want. That means that if they are a director and want to allow children then so be it...it's their choice. If PC considered cluster meetings official meetings than every director would be required to hold monthly meetings and ensure that their cluster was receiving training (really, if this is the case, please let me know because someone should be fired ....I rarely hear from my recruiter who only became director when I qualified...and quite honestly I keep her hitting her $4000 sales or whatever she needs....the only time I hear from her really is when she needs extra to hit that amount!) But my official opinion on this is to each their own. Unfortunately we can not change who our director is after we sign...and that really stinks for us that have crappy directors...for those of you missing meetings because it is hard to find sitters, don't want to be away from children another night, what ever your reason, just shoot for the moon and become directors and run your meetings how you want to run them! I think this could be debated forever and nothing would come of it...so let's change this thread to how can we find Dusty a hospitality director......hehehheheee just kidding(although any advice is welcome)

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Nope

So does your director say "no kids unless there is an emergency"?

No she says we can bring as many kids as we want, but we don't. I have never had the need come up. My husband is always available but as I stated it has happened maybe twice with other consultants that have brought their children. It has never snowballed but then again my director wouldn't care. These are family businesses she says. And she is right, my family is the reason why I am doing this. To help make extra money for them to take them out, on field trips or to buy extra gifts on holidays. The children that have come have played with the director's kids upstairs or have sat quietly because they were shy.

We like our time away from home and kids to concentrate on our business but we like to know if we had to we could.

Debbie

 

[quiverfull7]

I have been reading this thread off and on all day now and there is this common thread weaved through everyone's posts.. both for and against the "no children in attendance" policy ... do you hear it... "It's my business so I need to run it best for me" HOWEVER ... at a cluster meeting you are meshing together many, many "my businesses" so each director has to make the very difficult decision of what is best for her group and each of us has to be understanding of one another and other consultants needs. I'm not going to state my opinion here... it doesn't matter.. but I just feel led to post that part of supporting one another both here and in our clusters, is to recognize that everyone has the right to do their business their own way.. but when we are together... we must look out for the greater good of one another's businesses as well and not just our own needs or desires. I hope this makes sense. I cannot put into words what my heart is feeling.

 

[sillylittlechef]

You are so right quiverfull7 and I think you really said it perfectly.

 

[cla519]

I have brought my 10 year old daughter who is more like a adult than most adults. she goes to show's with me when she can and has helped me get some of my best sales at shows because she knows as much about the products as I do. When I did bring her to a meeting they included her in the discussion. I think that you need to know how your child is going to act when they are there if they are very quiet and can sit quitely I don't see a problem. But if everyone brought their kids who knows what it may be like.

 

[baychef]

I have been reading this thread off and on all day now and there is this common thread weaved through everyone's posts.. both for and against the "no children in attendance" policy ... do you hear it... "It's my business so I need to run it best for me" HOWEVER ... at a cluster meeting you are meshing together many, many "my businesses" so each director has to make the very difficult decision of what is best for her group and each of us has to be understanding of one another and other consultants needs. I'm not going to state my opinion here... it doesn't matter.. but I just feel led to post that part of supporting one another both here and in our clusters, is to recognize that everyone has the right to do their business their own way.. but when we are together... we must look out for the greater good of one another's businesses as well and not just our own needs or desires. I hope this makes sense. I cannot put into words what my heart is feeling.

THANK YOU!!! Very well put!!! Trust me...implimenting a no child policy is NEVER easy!
Ann

 

[etteluap70PC]

I have been reading this thread off and on all day now and there is this common thread weaved through everyone's posts.. both for and against the "no children in attendance" policy ... do you hear it... "It's my business so I need to run it best for me" HOWEVER ... at a cluster meeting you are meshing together many, many "my businesses" so each director has to make the very difficult decision of what is best for her group and each of us has to be understanding of one another and other consultants needs. I'm not going to state my opinion here... it doesn't matter.. but I just feel led to post that part of supporting one another both here and in our clusters, is to recognize that everyone has the right to do their business their own way.. but when we are together... we must look out for the greater good of one another's businesses as well and not just our own needs or desires. I hope this makes sense. I cannot put into words what my heart is feeling.

Well Put!
Now from my own experience I have missed many a meeting because of childcare issues (I will be missing an awesome all day training in 2 weeks because of childcare issues, but I consider it MY problem). Do I hold it against my Hospitality director? No way! That is how she wants to run her meetings. Now I have to say that for me even if children were allowed I would not bring mine. They are good kids but they are kids and would be a distraction to me even if they were in another room being angels. I would be thinking of them the whole time wondering how they were behaving etc. Also I do not think I would want to go to meetings where there were children. I am at a meeting to concentrate on improving my business, not to worry about what someone else’s kids are doing. EXAMPLE: I was at a regional meeting a few years ago, it was an all day event and there were at least 2 children there. While they were well behaved I admit I was distracted whenever they made a peep.
I see where people here have said "why do I need to take another night away from my family or why should I pay a sitter for one more night". Well when I started my business I took all these things into account and schedule my family and myself accordingly. It is an opportunity to learn and grow your business and I personally do not look at is as "taking away" from my family. I look at it as a time for me to grow as a businesswoman.

Keep in mind these are just my personal opinions and all of you out there need to run your business in a way that best suits you and your family!!!

 

[Paige Dixon]

I have been reading this thread off and on all day now and there is this common thread weaved through everyone's posts.. both for and against the "no children in attendance" policy ... do you hear it... "It's my business so I need to run it best for me" HOWEVER ... at a cluster meeting you are meshing together many, many "my businesses" so each director has to make the very difficult decision of what is best for her group and each of us has to be understanding of one another and other consultants needs. I'm not going to state my opinion here... it doesn't matter.. but I just feel led to post that part of supporting one another both here and in our clusters, is to recognize that everyone has the right to do their business their own way.. but when we are together... we must look out for the greater good of one another's businesses as well and not just our own needs or desires. I hope this makes sense. I cannot put into words what my heart is feeling.

My thoughts were always, "When I'm a director, I'll have a children are welome meeting, and anyone in town (my downline or not) would be welcome." Now that I'm here, I've mooched off of my director's meetings for over 2 years! However, I would still present it to a consultant as: Promote so you can have the meetings your own way!

 

[cmdtrgd]

There have been comments about no children being allowed at any official PC meeting....since when are cluster meeting official PC meetings? This frustrates me as we emphasize to our recruits that this is their own business and they can run it however they want. That means that if they are a director and want to allow children then so be it...it's their choice. If PC considered cluster meetings official meetings than every director would be required to hold monthly meetings and ensure that their cluster was receiving training (really, if this is the case, please let me know because someone should be fired ....I rarely hear from my recruiter who only became director when I qualified...and quite honestly I keep her hitting her $4000 sales or whatever she needs....the only time I hear from her really is when she needs extra to hit that amount!)

Part of our director agreement is that we will hold regular cluster meetings - either with our cluster or a combination of clusters. So, your director is not following procedures.

 

[sillylittlechef]

ah! Thanks Kate for the info.
Do you think HO would help if I called looking for hospitality. I've been told that I can't call myself.

 

[cmdtrgd]

You can try - especially since your director isn't holding meetings. You also might want to ask for the info for your upline so you can contact them. Networking in this business is so awesome for things like hospitality. Also, you could put out a thread on this site to see if anyone who is near you is having meetings.

 

[sillylittlechef]

Good idea Thanks so much

 

[fruit76loop]

I have been reading this thread off and on all day now and there is this common thread weaved through everyone's posts.. both for and against the "no children in attendance" policy ... do you hear it... "It's my business so I need to run it best for me" HOWEVER ... at a cluster meeting you are meshing together many, many "my businesses" so each director has to make the very difficult decision of what is best for her group and each of us has to be understanding of one another and other consultants needs. I'm not going to state my opinion here... it doesn't matter.. but I just feel led to post that part of supporting one another both here and in our clusters, is to recognize that everyone has the right to do their business their own way.. but when we are together... we must look out for the greater good of one another's businesses as well and not just our own needs or desires. I hope this makes sense. I cannot put into words what my heart is feeling.

HERE HERE!! Thanks for posting this!

 

[nikkijo]

PS I've always wanted to have a retail establishment just so I can have a sign that reads, "Nurslings are welcome here!" Just last week the lady at Copy Max asked my not to nurse there any longer (I guess they'd rather have the walls rattle while my youngest screams while waiting for my copies!). I think if she asks again I'll ask if she requests that pacifier sucking and bottle sucking babies not be in the store either.

I believe it's a federal law that if you are nursing you HAVE to be able to do it in plublic. If the store does not allow this it is discrimination. How else is your baby going to eat?