Reader to Reader: How do you politely ask moms not to bring their babies and toddlers with them to their nail appointments?

I would pull the client aside and say that I notice she’s not relaxed because she is trying to make sure her child is behaving and safe. The nail salon is a place of solace, and I feel bad that she does not get the pleasure to relax because she deserves to rest. I would end the conversation saying, “You deserve a few hours alone to unwind. Don’t you agree?”
Tiffany Ector
Nailtricity, Cleveland

I sent out an e-mail (after a poorly supervised toddler broke a snow globe) indicating that my insurance wouldn’t allow children in the salon unless they had an appointment. I explained that the salon holds potential hazards for a child left unattended and that if injured, I and my insurance company would not be responsible.
Teresa Heppenheimer
Tee’s Nail NV, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

I do nails in my house and have my own kids around. For the moms who can’t get sitters I offer my daughter’s babysitting services. It’s a win-win. She gets paid, I get paid, and mom knows her little one is close by.
Chrissy Toovey
Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, Canada

I have never actually asked moms not to bring their children. I have been on the other side of the nail desk, when I was the working mom with little free time and no babysitter. I had to take my children with me or sacrifice salon visits. I enjoy getting to know my guests and have become friends with many of them, including watching their children grow up and sharing that part of life with them.
Vicky Kissick
StudioV Nails & Hair by Vicky/Suite 5 Signature Salon Suites, Avon Park, Fla.

I say, “I absolutely love your daughter/son, and I understand that sometimes child care can be difficult. But this would be much more pampering to you if we can schedule your appointment around child care opportunities. Or let’s look at Saturday appointments. We must understand that other clients come here for pampering as well…so let’s try to schedule your next appointment around child care.”
Lisa Anderson
Avanti Salon, Sparks, Nev.

I have learned over the 30+ years of doing nails to post a simple statement in a cute frame on or near my table. It states: “We love kids and have several of our own. We are here to pamper you and appreciate your making other arrangements for your children while YOU are in OUR care. Thanks so much.”
Les Howard
Edge of Beauty, Price, Utah

All children are different. I don’t have a policy against my clients bringing their kids with them. If they have a child who is wild, then I ask the client to bring another adult with them next time. Most clients get the hint and leave the kids with someone at home. Also, I keep child-friendly activities at the salon to keep children busy.
Tracy Balistreri
Nails by Tracy, Milwaukee

My boss has taken care of this issue for me. I am in a large full-service salon and children not having services are not allowed. Also children’s services are only booked on the weekend. The owner has no problem telling clients who arrive with children that they will have to reschedule their appointments. Many clients have expressed that they appreciate this policy and for some that is one of the reasons they patronize our salon.
Heather Wise
Kenneth Wildes Salon, Newton, Mass.

Illustration by Yuiko Sugino

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