I went to my Course III yesterday, supposed to be our first meeting. I came with my 4 yr old daughter as I wasn't expecting that kids are strictly not allowed in class. I was late for about 15 mins.
I was apologetic that I am late for & I had to take my daughter with me since I have no one to look after her.
The teacher said in front of all other students " kids are not allowed since this is an adult class"
I was expecting that she would at least allow me to sit with my daughter but next time warn me that kids are not allowed.
I was disappointed because she embarrased me in front of the other students. She said "Kids are not allowed, period".
so I left & I reimbursed the money I paid for the course....
I want to make a complain about her but I decided at this point not to waste my time on her. I just want to vent it out here....
I was excited with this course... it's been a while since I took Course II & I'm looking forward to this one...
I can understand why kids wouldn't be allowed. It's hard to focus on the course and watch a child at the same time. As much as it stinks, policy is policy. It could be a liability thing too.
I hope that you can arrange for child care and take the class in the future though.. 
I'm a Wilton Instructor in NC. Kids aren't supposed to be in class but she should of pulled you aside and let you continue the class you showed up for. It wouldn't of bothered me unless your child was bothersome to other students by being loud when teaching/learning. She was wrong! Complain to Wilton.
I understand that policy is policy, BUT she DIDN't have the right to embarassed you like that in front of people...that's totatlly NOT cool. I'm glad you got your money back and when you have someone to watch over your lil'girl go to another location that offers Wiltons course, I personally would not go back to that store, even if the store had nothing to do with the teachers actions, but she is representing that location one way or another.
Sorry she wasn't person enough to be nice to you in front of your lil'girl... Take care.
That would be pretty awkward. I'm glad you got your money back.
You might consider calling her or the store manager and suggest (in a nice way) that they handle this more discreetly next time. But honestly being late kinda forced her hand too but I know I woulda handled it a little more quietly.
Hopefully you can take the class next time it's offered.
Wow! I took Wilton I about 3 years ago, and my instructor allowed a child in. She was taking the class, though.
Seriously, it's Wilton, not Collette Peters. What would it have hurt? I'm sure she would have been fine. Sounds like the teacher was a diva!
I am sorry. I would've felt the same way but she was probably just following policy. There are sharp instruments, knives and such. They would not want kids hurting themselves for liability fears as the previous poster mentioned. I don't think she did anything wrong but should've been more polite and discreet about it.
Your best bet is to follow K8s suggestion.
I am the mother of 2 young children, and I can rarely find anyone to watch them. I understand, believe me, I do.
That said, you were late to class. So you disrupted it with your arrival, and you had a child with you. What else could the instructor have done? She already had to stop class to address the situation. And the whole incident disrupted other people that were just as excited about starting a new course as you were. Again, I have young kids, and I know I would have been annoyed if I was in a cake decorating class and someone had their young kids there... I know how disruptive they can be, especially when cake and icing are involved!
You got our money back, as you should have. I don't see any reason to take it any further.
What would it have hurt? I'm sure she would have been fine.
But the problem is the parents who don't have kids who would just sit there quietly; the ones who be disruptive and irritating to the others, who had also paid money to take this class. If she allows your child to be there, then she runs into "....but you let the other lady bring HER kid!"
While it probably could have been handled better, I see the instructor's view. (In my confirming-sampling-appt email, I "suggest" that children be left at home. I've had some good kids come with mom to the sampling ... and I've had the ones that I had to keep running after to keep them out of my kitchen, out of my display case, out of my supplies. yes, *I* had to run after them!)
She may have been more discreet with the opportunity, but you were late. She owed it to the other class participants to stick to the policy and enforce the no children rule.
She should have definately been more discreet. There are always better ways to handle things.
As a Wilton instructor it is very difficult to teach when children are there and so full of energy. It is hard on the kids too, they just want to play.
I had one student that brought her child even though she knew that they should not be there. The other students complained when she continued to bring her child even after I had talked to her. This is their time away from their kids to do something for themselves.
I know when my husband and I go out we intentionaly choose restraunts where there is most likely not going to be any children so we can get away from it all.
I have five children, the oldest is nine. I have two sets of twins 6 & 7. So, I know how hard it can be sometimes to find childcare.
I hope there is another place that offers classes or there is another instructor you can go to, that one sounds like she is not very polite.
well, sorry this happened to you but as was already said you came in late and with a small child. I know how rowdy some of these classes can get it really isn't the place to bring a young child. You certainly should have cleared it with the instructor first before bringing your daughter with you.
I'm sorry that you were made to feel uncomfortable, that was not right. Maybe the instructor was just caught off guard and flustered as to how to enforce the no children policy and now wishes she had let you know differently. I know I've had things come out wrong on occasion only because I was caught by surprise and then realized later how I may have come across to someone. I do understand why children are not allowed, many do not sit quietly. You might call the store and gently suggest that they add that policy to the class information at sign up.
Wow! I took Wilton I about 3 years ago, and my instructor allowed a child in.
Summer, your work is beautiful, I can't believe you started just 3 years ago!!!
I'm sorry you felt embarrassed. But I consider it far more rude to walk into a class late with a small child in tow.
You disrupted her class. Have you thought about how your instructor may have felt that you don't appear to take her class (her time and effort) seriously? Everyone else came prepared, on time and without distractions (like children) - and they deserve to have an uninterrupted learning experience.
I hope this isn't coming across as gruff, because that's not how it's meant. But I do believe your anger is unjustified. This is just one of those times I think you should put on your big girl panties.
What would it have hurt? I'm sure she would have been fine.
But the problem is the parents who don't have kids who would just sit there quietly; the ones who be disruptive and irritating to the others, who had also paid money to take this class. If she allows your child to be there, then she runs into "....but you let the other lady bring HER kid!"
OK, really good point. It is super hard for me to get a sitter, so I would have considered just dragging them with me if I thought kids were allowed, if someone else had done it.
I was thinking that when the child was in my class, that she was very good. But, like I said, she was taking the class, and was older-7 or so. I'm laid back about kids and would have allowed it (IF the child was well behaved). If not, I would have asked the mom to have a sitter next time.
I can see it from both sides...and honestly, I can understand that other people would have been annoyed by a kid-I am sure that some of them were even taking the class to get away from their kids. Thinking about it that way, if I was sitting there, waiting for my class and someone was there with a child, it could have irritated me, thinking I don't want to deal with kids right now.
Thanks NC! I've actually only been seriously decorating for about 18 months-that class was to help me with a baby shower cake I made for my good, good friend and loooong time ago. 
But you made my day!
My instructor brought his own kids once, and they were disruptive.
I too have a child but not in a million years would I have ever thought it would be ok to bring him to an adult class... I mean you wouldnt bring the child to a collage course 
That being said the teacher could have used a 'lil more tact!
I took my daughter who was about 10 months old to my final wilton course 3 class. Hubby was coaching our 4 yr old in soccer. I apologized profusly and the instructors response was a very warm-"no problem"! I felt bad enough! THEN! Hubby tried to save the day and came to pick up the baby after the game (of course with the 4 yr old). He came in and was going to just grab the baby and run out-- the 4 yr old wanted to see what mommy was doing and the instructor invited them to stay. I had missed the week before and missed how to do a gumpaste rose-- she taught me while the others were finishing their final cake-- both children and hubby where there they whole time!! I would have completely understood if she had asked them to leave-- but she was incredibly gracious the whole time!
I have taken 2 more classes from her-- and I have to drive 30-45 min away to take them! I have a Michael's, HL and JoAnn's all within 5 min from our house-- But Mary is a wonderful instructor and person! that was the only day my kids were there-- but she often asks about them! There are many ways to handle a situation, and I am just grateful that Mary realized that our family was having a sheduling conflict that day and responded wtih honey instead of vinegar!! I already felt bad and did not need to feel worse. As a mother of 4-- she completely understood!
I am not critizing the the OP's Instructor, but really-- if it was going to be that big of a deal to have a child there-- then it should have clearly been stated on the information sheet that you recieve when you sign up! ( At least, we get them here when we sign up for a class in all the stores)
As a Wilton instructor I will say my part here.
If she is at a chain outlet like mine, she has to enforce the policy. If I allow a student to bring a very young child to class I'm ripped a new one. That is a guarantee. I have to enforce it and it breaks my heart every time because as a parent of two little ones I completely understand the complication of babysitters and such falling through.
Also, she may have had students sitting there who may have already been told no they can't bring a child prior to that course and having one show up with one may force me to be a bit firmer because they were seeing how she would handle it.
As for the suggestion of "no children" being printed on the handouts great idea in theory but unfortunately it's not possible if you are at a Michael's. We have uneditable forms that we print and put directly into the book. We don't have the ability to alter what is on them for the most part. Another point, we have so many little rules like this that are important that if we print one out we'd have students want us to print them all out.
I understand that you think your child would have been fine being there for those two hours with out being disruptive but I've been told that to and burned. "Mom I need to go pee", 10 minutes later "mom I'm thirsty", 10 minutes later "mom I need to go pee again" etc. You are used to it but the other students might not be.
For C3, L1 it's not an easy "stop and go back for a review for a student who was away from the table". (At least it's not for me) With you being 15 minutes late that's a good chunk of class and then to have a small child in tow means you now have to unpack for not only you but for her as well with what ever you brought to entertain her with. That's a good 10 minutes at least... So by the time you are settled in you've lost the first 30 minutes of class. For me that is 4 out of 9 buttercream techniques you've missed.
If you really feel slighted you are more than welcome to call Wilton and complain. PM me and I'll get you a phone number of who to directly contact for student complaints.
As for who ever said to never go back to the store... have you ever had a bad moment in public and regretted it? If it happens once it's one thing but if it happens again then I'd take a look at saying "if this keeps up I won't return." We've all had a bad moment in life in the public eye and shouldn't be so quick to stick this teacher in the guillotine and chop her head off for one mistake.
Now lets all gather up and give each other a nice big warm student/teach Wilton hug!!! 
ahhh much better, I'm feeling love, love, love... now lets gather around, hold hands and sing the coca cola song followed by Kumbyah.
My instructor brought his own kids once, and they were disruptive.
That instructor needs to have a good butt kicking!
We had a teacher at our store when I first became a WMI and that was fired and this was one of the reasons.
*edited because I'm a dork and didn't proof read my spelling and wording before hitting the "submit" button.
I can NEVER find a babysitter for 4 small kids so I completely understand. I've taken several of the Wilton courses and NEVER was a 'no kid' policy brought up in discussion or on paperwork. Many times in my classes, ppl brought a child. They didn't bother anyone so I don't see the problem if they're behaved. My instructor wasn't that great as far as teaching but she was wonderful at getting kids involved as young as possible in caking!
I understand being late. W/kids, there just isn't enough time. But I do have a big issue w/ppl who are late.
I wouldn't have brought my own kids b/c they misbehave way too much. But you wouldn't have brought your child if that was the case. I would have done the same as you- left w/kid in tow and money returned. So sorry for your predicament.
ok i can understand if you have children its hard to get a sitter. fine, but you are going to a class!! just because its at a craft store it doesnt change anything. would you bring your kid into a college course???? or into your class at culinary school??? i highly doubt it. when i go to my class i really want to learn and not be distracted by someone elses child and on top of that walk in late!?!?!?! are you kidding? and you're mad at the teacher? AND want to complain?? if anyone should be complaining it should be the people who were in the class on time and ready to start. (my instructor wouldn't start until everybody was there). you should have planned in advance for someone to watch your child.
I too have a child but not in a million years would I have ever thought it would be ok to bring him to an adult class... I mean you wouldnt bring the child to a collage course
That being said the teacher could have used a 'lil more tact!
GUILTY! I use to bring my child all the time to college courses. It was quite a long time ago maybe 8 yr. ago. I was attending a small community college. One that use to cater to single parents, older returning students, etc. So it was pretty laid back. My child was very quiet and well-behaved otherwise I wouldn't have brought her. There is policy in place now for no kids. Ya know, somebody always has to ruin it. One lady brought her very bad kid to a final testing. They had to be put in another room b/c she was so disruptive. The lady was very embarassed. But some day ya just gotta do what ya gotta do. She put on her big girl panties and dealt w/the consequences that came along. It was bring the bad kid along or flunk the final. The professor made do w/the situation in an appropriate way. 90% of the students were moms anyway so we all understood.
I can't believe anyone seriously needs to be told that it's not appropriate to bring children to this kind of class. Really, isn't it just plain obvious? I've raised two children and I've had more than my share of babysitter problems. What that meant for me was that I simply did not get to do some things. If my babysitter fell through, I stayed home! I never thought the policy didn't apply to me just because it was an inconvenience or disappointment for me. I missed lots of things I would have loved to do because I couldn't arrange a sitter. That's what you sign up for when you're a mommy. It's always a trade-off; you really can't have it both ways.
I absolutely adore children - my own and (almost) everyone elses'. I can hardly wait to be a grandma! But I really resent it when perfect strangers show up with their children at places/activities where children clearly should not be included. It detracts from everyone else's enjoyment, and the children don't enjoy it, either.
That said, it was thoughtless of the instructor to embarrass you. She should have just called you aside and quietly told you that she couldn't let you stay. I really do feel for your embarrassment, and I think it's worth a call to the store manager to just ask her to mention to the instructor that some diplomacy on her part would have made an unfortunate situation less uncomfortable for everyone. I'll bet the other participants in the class were embarrassed on your behalf.
I am also a WMI and I have had mom's that had babysitter conflicts, but then as a mother of three I understood. When this happens I just give the child a bag of icing and a piece of waxed paper and let them play.
Sometimes things happen last minute and can't be helped. I also hold the same class twice a day that way students can call and re-arrange there schedule if necessary.
That instructor should never have spoke to you like that in front of the class. We are suppose to act professionally and that was not.
I can't believe anyone seriously needs to be told that it's not appropriate to bring children to this kind of class. Really, isn't it just plain obvious? I've raised two children and I've had more than my share of babysitter problems. What that meant for me was that I simply did not get to do some things. If my babysitter fell through, I stayed home! I never thought the policy didn't apply to me just because it was an inconvenience or disappointment for me. I missed lots of things I would have loved to do because I couldn't arrange a sitter. That's what you sign up for when you're a mommy. It's always a trade-off; you really can't have it both ways.
I absolutely adore children - my own and (almost) everyone elses'. I can hardly wait to be a grandma! But I really resent it when perfect strangers show up with their children at places/activities where children clearly should not be included. It detracts from everyone else's enjoyment, and the children don't enjoy it, either.
AMEN!!!!! I agree, isn't is just plain obvious?
I love my kids, but I don't attend their classes with them, and they don't attend my classes with me. You wouldn't take your daughter with you to your ob-gyn exam, would you?
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