by Ann E. Smith

Created on: April 24, 2008   Last Updated: November 15, 2010

Over the past decade or so, the practice of mothers taking their children to the work place has become more commonplace. While it may occur only on occasion, it appears that many mothers see the office as a suitable place to bring their kids, if for example the babysitter unexpectedly calls in sick.

However, children do not belong in the work place and another alternative should be found. To explain, let’s look at it from a higher perspective first. Many children are completely undisciplined by their parents. And as a result, others are expected to just put up with children's often out-of-control behavior on airplanes, in restaurants, at movie theaters and even at church.

In our politically correct world, we must tolerate it when children who are old enough to know better behave badly. Otherwise, we may offend someone if we say anything remotely critical of the children's actions behavior. Somewhere, a line must be drawn and one of those cases is at work.

At the office, boundaries should be set and maintained. Children absolutely do not belong in this grown-up environment. The office is a place in which adults are supposed to be fully committed to their performance for the company. They should not be distracted by looking after their kids, far less by the antics of other people's children.

Working mothers need to remember that having full-time employment is a choice, as well as an obligation and a privilege. If they make the choice to work full time and are also parents, then part of meeting their work commitment is planning for day care or after-school programs for their children during working hours. It really is that simple.

They should also keep in mind that having a job is a privilege. It was not that long ago when women, for example, were not even allowed in the work place. Working mothers should not take advantage of this privilege by trying to impose selfish and unreasonable expectations on their employers, including bringing their children to work at any time. There should be no exceptions.

While some may find this viewpoint intolerant of mothers and their dilemmas, that is simply not the case. Offices can provide mothers some flexibility when it comes to parenting; however, bringing the kids to the office should not be an acceptable option. And parents, instead of thinking of only their needs, should remember how their choices impact others. It seems that women who take their kids to work are indeed guilty of overlooking this consideration.

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