I feel like this is a really stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyway.
We just signed up for a gym that has childcare. I'm a SAHM and DS has only been babysat by his grandparents, so I have no experience dealing with day care or paid sitters.
Today I went to drop DS off at gym daycare for the 1st time and he flipped out crying. I spent nearly 10 minutes trying to get him to play with toys or other kids, I finally had him distracted enough that I went to sneak out. The second I was out the door I could hear him start crying. I was about to go back in and get him and say eff the workout today when the gym manager walked by and said "just go, it's harder for them than it is for you and we'll call you if he doesn't stop". So I left. 45 minutes later I picked him up and he was playing just fine and didn't look like he'd been crying recently.
I guess my question is, should I have even spent that time trying to calm him down? Do you just leave if your LO is crying and tell the sitter to call you if he doesn't stop (that's the policy at our gym's daycare)? I kind of got the impression that the sitter was fine if I left, but she didn't make an effort to pick him up or play with him right away (which was fine, there were other kids there). WWYD in this situation?
I want this to be a positive thing for DS since he doesn't get much socialization. Thanks for reading my novel of a post
Re: Gym daycare question
I agree. He's having separation anxiety but he will get used to it. My DD did the same thing.
Rainbow Surprise Baby due 05/26/2017
I volunteered for childcare for children age 2 years and younger at our church. I can say that the longer the parents stay, typically the longer the kid stresses. Once the parent goes, then I have a chance at distracting the kid and getting them to have fun. And if not, we'll page the parent.
It's completely normal to want to stay there longer. Almost every parent tries that. I did that with our first many times. Don't feel bad. Consider dropping them off for short time segments then increase the time as they become more familiar with the new environment. Also make sure you're completely satisfied with the facilities and childcare being provided. But I'm sure you're already doing that.
My dd went through this at that age when I started bringing her to the gym daycare. She's now 20 months and LOVES it! I'm also a SAHM so Im glad she gets the socialization there. What I found is the more I consoled her the more she cried. It was almost like it justified her being upset. So then I would just give Her a hug and kiss and when she got upset I just said..."you are being so silly". Look at all these fun toys, imgoing to excersise you go play with the kids! I also prepared her in the morning talking about playing with the kids and asked her what she was going to do there. And also talking about it when daddy got home so she could kind of brag about it. I'm so glad I stuck it out because its great to be able to get a solid workout in now.