These table holders, who to the eyes of the outside world represent the TCA, must learn to be polite, attentive and friendly. Don't yell at families about strollers, give kids the evil eye, or act with rudeness or contempt. Don't ignore children. Promote the hobby instead of behaving as if your bridge tournament at the seniors' home was interrupted. The "kids areas" always seem nice at face value, but what purpose do these truly serve? Do these areas truly foster interaction with older members from whom the young can learn the hobby? Or, do they merely segregate children to the periphery, keeping those little hands away from the curmudgeonly member tables?
Boy, I never witnessed widespread behavior like you are describing at the TCA shows I've attended, nor have I experienced it when my kids were with me. I guess we must have run into a few over the years. So what! Just shrug it off, and move on to the next table. Maybe its because I've only been to TCA shows run by NETCA (Boston area) or Eastern Division (York). Maybe its because my kids knew how to behave themselves at train shows.
The last few sentences sound like you are looking for someone else to entertain your kids.
