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The college classroom is not a place for children

Devin Ferrell / The Arbiter

It’s the sixth week of school. Students have gotten into their routines, professors should know names and faces by now and classmates are becoming more familiar with each other.

So why is it that once classmates have become somewhat comfortable with each other, one of them has to make it awkward by bringing their child with them to class?

Yes, things come up; the sitter cancels, child is sick, etc. But bringing a child into the classroom is an unnecessary distraction for the already stressed out student.

Even if the professor approves the child sitting in, the class isn’t necessarily in agreement. Students are fixated on what the child will do to fill his or her time while mom and dad are paying attention to the lecture.

Children are squirmy. After a short amount of time, they need to switch activities and move around.

They aren’t equipped to sit in a tiny desk for long periods of time remaining quiet, a necessary component of the college classroom.

Jacquelin Wonenberg, a junior studying criminal justice, agrees. “They can be distracting. I just don’t think it’s a good idea for both the classroom and the child.”

It’s not the child’s fault they’re bored. The university classroom wasn’t buillt around a youngsters needs or comfort.

Bringing in their favorite activities won’t help either.

The students are thinking, “oh wow, mom brought their favorite blanket? That will keep them busy for five seconds. Oh, and mom’s Ipad has Disney’s “Finding Nemo” on it? Great! Let’s hope those headphones don’t get pulled out and the entire video gets broadcasted to the whole class during a lecture. Hungry too? Why not let them open the bag of Cherrios you brought and let them dump it all over the floor.”

Adds a laughing Wonenburg, “No adult should expect a child to be that patient. I know I wasn’t.”

It’s not that they’re not cute or loveable, but students are paying copious amounts of money to get an education that isn’t consistently being interrupted by an upset child. Be respectful: either find another option for childcare or don’t come to class.

The class will (and should) understand and appreciate the fact that you didn’t come to class with a child who could erupt into a screaming fit at any second. Explain the situation and ask for notes from a classmate.

The Boise State Children’s Center offers reduced rates for Boise State Students, staff, and facility. You can also call the Idaho care (211) line to fine childcare centers that meet your lifestyle and financial needs.