I think that's very do-able, Linda. You can specify that any children under the age of _______ must be accompanied and supervised by an adult which would make that adult responsible. If you have any problems with the child, you have an adult to go to about it.

Not a guild, but another hobby of mine doesn't have an age restriction for members or guests but does states in the By-Laws:

"If children attend meetings they are required to sit quietly with parent or guardian. If guardian cannot control them, they must be removed from the meeting."

Well worded!

I too agree with AStitchinTime. I love MY children, and I enjoy well behaved children, and resent people expecting me to put up with their disruptive children. When my sitter didn't show up - when my children were little I stayed home. There is a big difference of dragging children to a guild meeting and expecting them to behave, and a young child wanting to learn to quilt. Also, I don't want to listen to other people discipline their children. It is sad that those people will not remove themselves and may need to be told to leave but it may only have to happen once to see that you mean it.

I totally agree!

I think AStitchInTime worded it quite well. Our guild had a small problem a few years ago with an 8 and 10 year old. I never found them disruptive, but some of our members did. After come pretty heated discussions, our ByLaws were revised to include "Membership shall be open to any individual age 12 and over who has an interest in quilts." We then followed it up with a Policy that says, "No children under age twelve (12) are permitted at Guild meetings. The Guild appreciates your leaving children and babies at home."

Not that I agree with it, but that is what my guild did.

Well said.
My first reaction to this question was for the mothers to form a baby sitting coop. That worked for me when mine were small.

I don't think this situation should be addressed in bylaws. Bylaws need to be basic guildelines and require action by the guild as a whole when changed. Perhaps you have a list of expectations, such as each member is to contribute to charity quilts, etc. This might be the place to address disruptions. Our guild has more trouble with disruptive adults who visit during the business meeting! I like the wording someone else suggested that addresses the children present and the dangers involved with quilting equipment. It explains the reason for limiting attendance. There needs to be a tactful way to address the situation, no matter the age of the disruptee.

I have belonged to guilds that have quilters that are 10 years old and they behave better than some of the adults. Maybe you need a sgt at arms to take care of the disruption issue, even with older guild members that will have a conversation with other quilters instead of taking part in the guild meeting or workshop or bee.