Taking a child to citizenship oath

[millwoods123]

Hello all,
Kindly advise me on the following situation.
I do not know if this topic has been discussed in the past as I couldn't locate it through the search bar above and if it has been kindly direct me to the discussion topic.
I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old (both born in Canada bearing Canadian Passports) who we would like to take the oath as both my wife and I have been scheduled to appear on the 13th of January 2015. I have heard rumours that it is not a good idea to take children of that age especially the 1 year old to the oath ceremony as the child may cause disturbance by crying. At the same time, I also have heard that it's absolutely fine to take them. I dropped them at the babysitter's place (first time for both the girls) and the little one had lost her voice by crying during those 4 hours we were at the CIC office in Edmonton (considering travel, exam, waiting and interviewing times) although the older one was fine. We do not want to leave the little one at the baby sitter's place this time but will have to change our decision depending on what kind of responses I get from the seniors.
If anyone has been through or knows of anybody who had been through this, kindly advise.
Looking forward to your responses.
Thank you and Merry Christmas.

 

[brbr]

Hello all,
Kindly advise me on the following situation.
I do not know if this topic has been discussed in the past as I couldn't locate it through the search bar above and if it has been kindly direct me to the discussion topic.
I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old (both born in Canada bearing Canadian Passports) who we would like to take the oath as both my wife and I have been scheduled to appear on the 13th of January 2015. I have heard rumours that it is not a good idea to take children of that age especially the 1 year old to the oath ceremony as the child may cause disturbance by crying. At the same time, I also have heard that it's absolutely fine to take them. I dropped them at the babysitter's place (first time for both the girls) and the little one had lost her voice by crying during those 4 hours we were at the CIC office in Edmonton (considering travel, exam, waiting and interviewing times) although the older one was fine. We do not want to leave the little one at the baby sitter's place this time but will have to change our decision depending on what kind of responses I get from the seniors.
If anyone has been through or knows of anybody who had been through this, kindly advise.
Looking forward to your responses.
Thank you and Merry Christmas.

Hello Millwoods123,

In my experience they will let you take your children in but if they get too rowdy then they will ask you to leave the citizenship ceremony. Here is a recent example:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/melanie-atcovitch-and-baby-expelled-from-citizenship-ceremony-1.2881411

 

[millwoods123]

Thanks brbr, that's a bit harsh on the Montreal lady and her child.

 

[beauhoe]

Hello all,
Kindly advise me on the following situation.
I do not know if this topic has been discussed in the past as I couldn't locate it through the search bar above and if it has been kindly direct me to the discussion topic.
I have a 1 year old and a 4 year old (both born in Canada bearing Canadian Passports) who we would like to take the oath as both my wife and I have been scheduled to appear on the 13th of January 2015. I have heard rumours that it is not a good idea to take children of that age especially the 1 year old to the oath ceremony as the child may cause disturbance by crying. At the same time, I also have heard that it's absolutely fine to take them. I dropped them at the babysitter's place (first time for both the girls) and the little one had lost her voice by crying during those 4 hours we were at the CIC office in Edmonton (considering travel, exam, waiting and interviewing times) although the older one was fine. We do not want to leave the little one at the baby sitter's place this time but will have to change our decision depending on what kind of responses I get from the seniors.
If anyone has been through or knows of anybody who had been through this, kindly advise.
Looking forward to your responses.
Thank you and Merry Christmas.

I know that you are concern about your baby girl and I deeply feel you. However, I suggest that she stays with the babysitter for 45-60 min until you finish with your oath. She is going to be just fine.
Cheers,

 

[brbr]

Thanks brbr, that's a bit harsh on the Montreal lady and her child.

Yeah, probably is... I wasn't there so I can't ascertain what precisely happened because we only get her perception of the story. & you're very welcome! I hope all goes well with you guys & congratulations btw!!!

 

[grove1995]

Hi millswood123,
They will let your child in, but they would request that if your child gets unruly to kindly leave the room so as not to disrupt the proceedings. This is an important occasion for you and also true for 80 or so others in the room. My suggestion is to bring a friend. so when your child is disruptive, your friend can take them outside and you won't miss the ceremony.

 

[millwoods123]

I appreciate your inputs guys and I am thinking of changing my decision. Thanks everyone who participated.

 

[grove1995]

Thanks brbr, that's a bit harsh on the Montreal lady and her child.

I don't think it's harsh. Before the proceeding starts they specifically tell you that if your child becomes disruptive, you have to take your child outside. 'Happy' noise or whatever that is, is still noise. It's a solemn and happy occasion not just for them but for 80 or so other people. During my ceremony, a phone rang in the middle of the pledge of allegiance. A child was playing on a tablet and I can hear the sound 4 seats away. And I won't even mention the picture-taking.

 

[ingegarcia]

Hi millswood123,
They will let your child in, but they would request that if your child gets unruly to kindly leave the room so as not to disrupt the proceedings. This is an important occasion for you and also true for 80 or so others in the room. My suggestion is to bring a friend. so when your child is disruptive, your friend can take them outside and you won't miss the ceremony.

There is a video for the ceremony http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/citizenship/cit-ceremony.asp and it advises to have someone taking care of your children because you can't leave the room in case they are overwhelmed with the crowd. This is pretty normal and I do understand that. I have a 11 month old baby and in ceremonies, church, special occasions I have to leave the room for a couple of minutes and for several times because I do not like to spoil those events. It is important to understand that it is not only you the one taking the oath but also other people who may not like to have a crying baby in their citizenship oath. If you can't find someone to take care of your babies you may want to postpone your ceremony to a different day.
In my case I had my wife taking care of the baby. She had to get out of the room several times because my baby was cranky, diaper change, etc.