How long to get used to gym daycare?

JenGK

I'm kicking myself for not using the gym daycare sooner!  My younger son has been with a nanny since he was 4 months old.  We occassionally leave him with a babysitter when we go out at night, or with a "back-up" nanny when ours is sick, but he has never been in a group daycare setting. 

I tried to leave him at the (really nice) daycare at my gym last night, and it was a complete failure.  It was only for 30 mins., but he spent the whole time crying and trying to open the door to get out.  They actually had to call me to come get him because he was so upset.  He would let the ladies there pick him up and hold his hand, but it didn't stop the crying.

Has anyone dealt with this before?  Any suggestions?  Should I just keep bringing him for short periods and hope he gets used to it?  He will be attending preschool one day a week starting in September to get him used to being in a group setting.

k.martell

I went through this with DD at 16 or so months.  I talked with the ladies in the day care for ideas.  Snacks, favorite toy/blankie, and the one that worked the best was coming in during the slow periods and just playing with her and their toys. 

I'd set aside 30-45 minutes and take her in to play.  It took about 3 times and she was set.  She'd have a few moments of crying after I left but only for 2-3 minutes then she'd find a toy to occupy herself with while I worked out.  I always made sure to have a snack and drink for her.

Now she waits in the entry way for her snack and goes right in and I can work out, relax in the cafe, or get my nails done in the salon without being paged to collect my screaming child.

JulesFo

I had this happen as well. I am a SAHM, and started using the gym daycare at 18 months. First day was fine, 2nd day she freaked. I talked to the ladies who worked there and asked their policy on crying. They said they would come get me if it was continuous crying for more than 10-15 minutes. They also recommended coming every day for a week so that she would really have a chance to get used to it.

I also set a personal limit on how long I was comfortable with doing it. I decided to give it 2 solid weeks and if she was doing no better, then I'd hold off for a bit. Days 2 and 3 were rough, but there was improvement on day 4 -- after a week or so she was fine.

Btw---she randomly regressed a few months ago for a bit (weird at 2.5, but whatever!), but is now fine. I think it had to do with potty training and not wanting to go without me in a strange place.