I have noticed that when shows accept children as performers, then the parents or troupe leaders become very obnoxious about demanding that their troupes be given performance slots earlier in the evening, rather than later, due to the children needing earlier bedtimes than adults. In addition, the instant the kids have left the stage, their families leave. Performers who appear later in the show then find themselves dancing to a lot of empty chairs.

Is that fair/appropriate? Should organizers communicate and enforce a rule stating that, although it's okay for kids to perform, there will be NO special accommodation of providing early time slots for them?

And how do you, as organizers, handle the issue of audience members who leave the instant their pet dancer has finished her performance?