Kids at Work

[meh_too]

We have a lady returning to work from maternity leave shortly. She will be bringing her infant to work when she returns, because she thinks the baby is too young to go to a childminder - the baby is 3 months old. 

I had no family support when my kids were little and I had to pay (alot) in order for me to work, and I suspect thats what is really going on here - she does not want to pay.

I share an office with this woman and I am very upset about it.  I have no wish to become this child's babysitter.

What do you think about this situation?

[i-need-a-martini]

What makes you think you will be a babysitter? Don't offer and it won't happen.

Anyway, I think it's great. Once everyone settles down and stops cooing over having a baby in the office, then the office will settle into a routine that accommodates a baby.

We have a small office of 10 people and babies, children and dogs are standard for us.There is a general understanding that if babies/children/animals get too noisy or unruly then they get taken out or back home. And mum (and in one case dad) has 100% responsibility for baby/child/dog. Unless they are on the phone or with clients in which case we all step in and help.

It's fabulous that your employer is happy to do it and I think it is the way of the future.

[i-need-a-martini]

On saying that sometimes its a pain in the behind (dog hairs all over my clothes, kiddy chatter etc)  but overall it makes for one extremely happy workplace.

[azureline**]

I can see 2 things here... it may inconvenience you a little bit but just don't be a babysitter... look, smile, don't touch.

The other thing is... you didn't get it... why should she?

I think it is a good thing that things have changed. 🙂

[meh_too]

Thanks for your reply Martini - the problem for me is that there will be no rules. And there is no facilities at all for feeding/changing a nappy, or anything else associated with babies.  She did bring the child in a month ago, changed her nappy on the desk and then just dropped the dirty one in the wasterpaper bin - where it stayed for 3 days.  X-(

And I have no intention of giving the child any attention at all - IMO it should not be there.

[meh_too]

I can see 2 things here... it may inconvenience you a little bit but just don't be a babysitter... look, smile, don't touch.

The other thing is... you didn't get it... why should she?

I think it is a good thing that things have changed. 🙂

I dont understand this bit  ??

[cherry*135]

I think it is not on (don't stone me). If a employee with a baby/child works in a business/company that has a creche/daycare centre for employees on site, then that would be a good thing - mother could put her baby in there and visit it in her breaks/when it needed feeding (if b/f). 

Will the Mum be working full-time? 

I wouldn't like to work with a 3mth old baby in the same room. Iwouldn't like to take a baby to work with me, wouldn't be able to give either the baby or work my full attention.

I am assuming your employer has given permission for the mother to bring her baby into the office? How long is she able to bring the baby into work for?

Babies of around 4mths can start rolling around the floor etc.. how are they supposed to do that in an office... maybe a playpen? but thats not much life for a baby/infant..

[love*today]

She is being a smart as, basically calling you out for being jealous

[meh_too]

She is being a smart as, basically calling you out for being jealous

:^O Jealous of what?

[love*today]

And I agree with the op in that its not going to work.

youll need to tell her not to stink ur work space up for one!!

selfish IMO, shed be smelling that too ughhh