Do you believe we are becoming a 'child free' society?

**sweetseven** · 15-11-2009 22:17

I do not approve of completely childfree events, but families with children leaving early and having a childfree portion, but include children for part of it.

**MummaBear03** · 15-11-2009 22:17

There was a social event last weekend with the parents from DD's class, it was "strictly child free" so of course I didn't go. My brother and SIL had a "child free" pool party at their house last night where they officially "opened" up their new pool that's been landscaped and has fountains and lights set into it and all sorts of things, DD would have loved it, but I couldn't go because she wasn't allowed to go. It's happened so often that people make things that would be fun to go to but then state that children aren't allowed to attend.

**Teley** · 15-11-2009 22:20

Why is this happening though?

I mean - children aren't that bad are they? I actually quite enjoy being around DS and other children so it kinda puzzles me, this reaction in society

**c2p08** · 15-11-2009 22:23

yes and i hate it with a passion.

I've been invited to weddings that have specifically said ''no kids allowed'' which is incredibly difficult for me as im a SAHM and take DD with me everywhere, finding babysitting is hard, and when i have to travel away with her to a wedding its even harder (cost wise).

as for other things, i think you CAN find things that kids can go to aswell, but alot of things are becoming more teen/young adult rather then kid.

**Myztiks#1Fan** · 15-11-2009 22:26

i actually havent really noticed. cooper is more than welcome to come to my work xmas party but i prefer him not to be around a whole lotta ppl drinking. even with work get togethers(my day job that is), he is more than welcome to come along as we are a family friendly business. a majority of things i get invited to, i can bring him along if i want, there is no problem with it.

**Miss_N** · 15-11-2009 22:27

I think that there will always be places and events that are child free. Because there will always be individuals or groups who don't appreciate children and value their uniqueness. That being said I don't believe that this means we are becoming a child free society.

Imo for every child free place or event there is another place or event that caters to or for children! I think that's what makes up a society! Differences and similarities!

**MsMummy** · 15-11-2009 22:30

Now, that I have a child, I'm against child-free events. Particularly as it marginalises women, who tend to me the main carers, as it locks them out of social events etc.

Avany - the reason it's happening is that kids annoy the christ outta people. Before I had children, I would have rather excised my eyes with spoons than have children running underfoot at a social event.

In retrospect, I was very selfish and awful etc, but I'm sure I'm not alone. In fact, I know I'm not, as most of my friends are child-free and there's certainly some pressure to be child-free at times.

My best friend got married in May. I was the maid of honour. She clearly did not want children at her reception (expensive inner city restaurant), but she was very polite in that she gave me the option (my son was 8 months at the time) but she was so relieved when I said I wouldn't bring him.

**Teley** · 15-11-2009 22:37

Originally Posted by MsMummy

Avany - the reason it's happening is that kids annoy the christ outta people. Before I had children, I would have rather excised my eyes with spoons than have children running underfoot at a social event.

Guess I will never understanding that sort of reasoning. Pretty selfish IMHO.

Cluck. Cluck cluck cluck cluck. Cluck cluck cluck cluck cluck. Oh that could be why

**MsMummy** · 15-11-2009 22:41

Originally Posted by Avany

Guess I will never understanding that sort of reasoning. Pretty selfish IMHO.

Cluck. Cluck cluck cluck cluck. Cluck cluck cluck cluck cluck. Oh that could be why

Huh? As in you're clucky? Don't do it!

But, yes, those 'survival of the human race' hormones are an amazing thing. To turn a self-confessed child-loather like me into a mother (by choice)....

Kids still do irk me a bit, particularly older precocious ones.

But I'm sure I'll be better when my son gets to that age.

**KatiesMum** · 15-11-2009 22:46

See I do understand the child free event thing.

It is true that people who dont have children, and to a lesser extent those who had children who have grown up all do get annoyed by the common behavioural occurances with children. Just being a 3 or 4 year old kind of behaviour.

I had a child free wedding (mostly anyway ... DH's neice and 2 nephews went) ... mainly due to cost rather than anything. But none of my guests had children under 2 .... so wasnt really ever broached.

I dont think its something that is changing though - has been that way for a long time. Certainly since I was a young child (I know, that was a loonnnngg time ago

) when we kids had to sleep in the car ....... (small country town)