Section A · Page 10
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday, February 28, 2001
80% of KU students use a designated driver.
- Based on survey responses from 1,459 KU students. Survey administered by the KU Office of Institutional Research & Planning (2000).
Parents bring kids to class
By Michelle Ward
writh@kansan.com
Kansas staff writer
Kevin Chesnut treks across campus with three of his daughters. They arrive at his classroom and begin preparing for class — taking off coats, unpacking books and coloring books. Just as things calm down, one of his girls whispers she must go to the bathroom.
Kevin Chesnut, Texhoma, Okla., senior, engages in a Childrens Literature class discussion while holding his three-year old daughter, Adrianna. Chesnut, a chemical engineering student, routinely takes one or more of his children to class with him. Photo by J.E. Wilson/KANSAN
For a multitude of reasons, many student-parents bring their children to class. It might be to help out a spouse or co-partner with a time crunch or simply to allow them a moment of solitude.
Parents might find conflicts with day-care centers closed while the University is open. If children are sick, they aren't allowed in either school or day care. Students, who must attend class, have little choice but to bring their sick children with them.
"Most of the time it's just to give their mother a break," said Chesnut, who has four children with his wife, Allison. "She is a homemaker. But it's a challenge taking all three of the girls. There are a lot of things you take for granted."
Chesnut said it took more time and effort to prepare for and get to class with the girls in tow. The girls enjoy the recurring visit to campus as they go to Wescoe Terrace for snacks and drinks, Chesnut said. He has yet to take his youngest child, an 18-month-old, to class.
"Surprisingly enough, I have been complimented many times about their behavior," Chesnut said. "It seems they behave exactly the opposite at home."
Ray Higgins, professor of psychology, said he didn't have a problem with children attending his class, but it could become a problem if children distracted the class from learning.
"If they would make a racket or drew attention to themselves, it would become a problem," Higgins said. "It would be a problem if students got up and ran around as well."
Six-year-old Kamron rules the roost when he comes to school with his mom, Lisa Elkins, a Lawrence senior. Kamron has been introduced in Elkins' classes and even has made his own friends at the University. He isn't shy either, shouting hello to a friend, Matt, as he tried to sneak late into the class of 120 students.
"He is awesome when I bring him to class," Elkins said. "I have been going to school his whole life. He is used to it."
On days when the day care is closed due to a holiday or inclement weather, Elkins said she was left with little choice other than to bring Kamron with her to class. Her day care, Apples and Oranges, receives federal funding and follows the government's holiday schedule.
That left Elkins in a bind on President's Day, so she took Kamron to class with her for the day. Weather also poses a challenge as schools and day cares close, while the University continues with classes.
When the youngster gets sick, the idea of going to class isn't much fun but still a necessity, Elkins said. Elementary schools and daycare centers do not want other children to become sick, so for everyone's protection sick children aren't allowed. There are few options left for Elkins, who tries to get friends to stay with Kamron, but sometimes she must take him to class.
"There is nowhere for him to go when he is sick," Elkins said. "If I have to be in class, I have to be in class. He has to come with me."
Arlene Barry, associate professor of teaching and leadership, said she had no problem with students bringing their children to class and she would rather have parents bring their children than be absent.
Barry, who teaches literacy, even brings an array of books for the children, including fairy tales and pop-up books. She said she had children in her class at least once a semester and she enjoyed the experience.
"I am happy to have children in my class," Barry said. "Most of my students are going to be middle-or high-school teachers, who often have children of their own. With snow days or problems with day care, they sometimes bring their children to class."
Edited by Joy Pilgreen
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