What do you think?

Dear Sunnyhoney*,
Thank you for agreeing to take part in our research on **********, which I am sure you will find both interesting and enjoyable. The focus group is to better understand people’s shopping attitudes and behaviours. The discussion will be relaxed and informal, as a means of gathering feedback on the topic, there are no right or wrong answers, but it is expected that everyone will contribute to the discussion.
We would like to emphasise that the researchers and clients are counting on your input as considerable planning and organisation goes in to running these groups. Having a full group at the session does make a difference.
***I would appreciate advance notice if you are unable to attend, as a replacement participant will need to be found to meet the research requirements. Please telephone ******** or email ****************************
Please remember there are no child minding facilities at focus groups and you will not be permitted to participate, or receive payment, if you bring a child or other family members with you.
The details of your appointment are:

etc etc etc

I reply:

Sorry, I can no longer participate after reading this email. I have a newborn child who is breastfed and would need to come with me. Please note, I actually find your exclusion of mothers in this manner to be quite discriminatory.


Their reply:

Thanks for your email, I’m sorry you will not be able to attend. I hope you can understand that it would just be too distracting for the group if baby was crying or you had to leave to change baby etc. We are in no way trying to be discriminatory.
Many Thanks


So, I replied:

Hi ***

I'm sure you are not "trying" to be but it is none the less. I am forbidden to attend because I have a child who is dependant on me to provide food. Yes there may be some small distractions (similar to an adult having a coughing fit or needing use the bathroom themselves), but I'm sure most of the people attending your group are mature enough to understand and empathise with the given situation.
It is the research that is missing out on the opinions and ideas of a very wide section of people. Just my opinion.
You might want to remove me from your list of contacts. As I will be a stay-at-home mum for many years to come yet, contacting me to participate is obviously a waste of time for all concerned.



DH is more than amused after reading this...

Sure I know it would be distracting to some people.

I just got a bit tired of them inviting me to participate in their groups and then saying that I can't come if I have to bring kids...I wouldn't take my kid if I thought they would be a problem (but then I guess not everyone would do that).

If it was me I would just take my name off their list. I agree with them as they are a business & they pay like a job. Interruptions cost time & money & defeats the purpose of what they are trying to do.

I like you would not take my kids to something like that & I would not be impressed if others did...I don't want to listen to other baby/children crying or playing up if I have left mine at home.

jazzy wrote: If it was me I would just take my name off their list. I agree with them as they are a business & they pay like a job. Interruptions cost time & money & defeats the purpose of what they are trying to do. I like you would not take my kids to something like that & I would not be impressed if others did...I don't want to listen to other baby/children crying or playing up if I have left mine at home.

Agreed. Kids are a distraction. And not all people feel comfortable with others breastfeeding in front of them which is a distraction.

Joscia wrote: I got asked, twice, recently to take part in a similar focus group about nappy brands - and wasn't allowed to take DS. How ridiculous is that!! To qualify for the group you had to use the products, but weren't allowed to bring your child who wears said products with you. Absurd.

I agree....how dumb!

I don't think it's discriminatory at all. They are paying you to be there and to have your (and other attendees) full attention.

You know you could just express before hand and take a breastpump along with you....

ETA: And ask for a room where you can express obviously

Edited by tishy

caraMel wrote: TBH I don't really think it is discriminatory. The way they phrased the bit about not bringing children was a bit harsh sounding, but I think their points are valid. Babies are distracting, even if they're not crying just their presence distracts some people and I can imagine if you were trying to run a discussion it would be frustrating. JMO, not trying to have a go

what she said ....and JMO as well

I don't think they're discriminating at all. They're running a business and they pay you to be there. Imagine if every person there took their children, the focus would be on the children.

newlywed wrote: Good on you! You have a great point - stupid people! Although I would say that if you had toddlers, requesting that you arrange care for them would be understandable (and easy enough, eg. kindy) - whereas babies are pretty great in these circumstances. Especially newborn.

This is exactly my point. I wouldn't expect to be able to take my toddler (or child older than this).