gym "daycare"

Do any of you take your kiddos to the gym daycare so you can get some exercise? I tried it yesterday and DS cried the whole time until they called me back (five minutes later!). Then DD, who was having a great time, bawled because we had to go home. I really want to start going to the gym during the day, because I am just exhausted in the evening after they go to bed. I am wondering if you think I should keep taking him or just give up. It is such a pain to get everyone loaded in the car, pack my gym bag, etc. if I only get five minutes in!!! But if I could get in a routine, I would love it.

I would appreciate any suggestions, and to hear your experience.

Thanks,

Sheila

ETA: My ticker is not updated. They are 18 months old

 

We do. It took a while for Clayton to get used to it, and admittedly, he is back to being upset when I leave, but he quiets down shortly afterwards. I would suggest going in there with them and spending time in the 'kids club' to get them used to it. Play with toys, just be there. If they aren't used to being away from you it is going to be quite the adjustment. My kids club has a 15 minute cry rule. When I'd be called back, only happened 2-3 times, I would sit in there until he quieted down. This gives the other one time to play (if content) and the upset one some time to get used to it. It is a new envirnoment that generally takes some time to get used to. You were planning on working out anyway, so it's not any wasted time. YOu were going to be at least in the same building. HTH! Oh, and communicate with the staff, make sure there is enough staff per children ratio and tell the staff what activities he would love to do (read books, play ball).

 

I take all three kiddos to the gym 2-3 times each week. Gabe and Natalie (2.5) love it. They love that there are things to play with there that we don't have at home. I have resisted buying items that resemble those toys/games so that they remain a novelty to them. Now, Oliver (9 months) is still not sold and we've been going for 3 months now. He cries on and off most days. He's usally good for the first 20 or so minutes... but then he's pretty fussy and cranky until I'm back. The women that work in the gym daycare are wonderful and keep assuring me that he will get used to it and will eventually be the same way as the other two. I look forward to that day Until then, I just keep trying to go very regularly so that he understands that it's part of our routine.

I would say hang in there. It's a good place for them to get some more socialization, play with new things and, of course, for you to work out. Maybe get a special toy that they can take with them (if that's allowed at your daycare). Can they have snacks? That often distracts my kiddos for quite awhile.

When you get to the point that you can leave them there for an hour... it's WONDERFUL!!! I hope they adjust quickly for you so that you can enjoy your workouts!

-Catherine

 

Sheila, I had this EXACT scenario!!! This is how I got around it. I bring them in their double stroller. Martin jumps out and goes and then Ali sits with her lovie and a snack and watches (unbuckled) and then asks to get out!

TRY IT!! Hopefully the gals at the "playroom" will accomodate you and the stroller!! SAVES MY LIFE!!!

 

I take my girls to gym daycare and I also work there. I would keep trying it. I have noticed that most of the kids just have on and off days. I'm suprised they only let him cry for 5 minutes. I don't think we even have a time limit. In my experience, everyone calms down sooner or later.

 

Thanks everyone! I tried it again, and it was a little better--I got an 8 minute workout instead of 5 minutes! But, there were about 30 kids there today and several babies with only three staff members, so I can hardly blame my kids for being overwhelmed. It was insane. And get this, they don't allow snacks, toys, or me in the play area. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! And of course if they have that many kids the first thing they are going to want to do is call the parents!! Now I am thinking it is more the place that's the problem.

BTW, LOVE the stroller idea! Thank you!

Sheila

 

Sounds like it was pure chaos!! Keep trying, maybe a slightly different time? (Ours are only open till 12 )

 

Man....5 mins!! That sucks. I bet its bc they don't have good teacher/child ratio. My old gym had a 15 min cry rule but my new gym doesn't have one. I love it and they do too. They beg me to go to the gym....which is great of course! I think the stroller idea is a great one, give him a place to call his own until he is comfy!!

Good luck and maybe look to see if there is another gym thats better? I have to drive a little farther for my gym but I really liked the nursery much better and the kids do too!

 

Our gym has a 10/1 ratio. Babies under 1 count at 2. I would urge you to mention that they should have a better ratio. That is a lot of kids.. but I guess if everyone is over 1, good.

 

QUOTE(wengdddeng @ Aug 21 2007, 11:42 AM) [snapback]373850[/snapback]
Thanks everyone! I tried it again, and it was a little better--I got an 8 minute workout instead of 5 minutes! But, there were about 30 kids there today and several babies with only three staff members, so I can hardly blame my kids for being overwhelmed. It was insane. And get this, they don't allow snacks, toys, or me in the play area. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! And of course if they have that many kids the first thing they are going to want to do is call the parents!! Now I am thinking it is more the place that's the problem.

BTW, LOVE the stroller idea! Thank you!

Sheila


Well, in their defense, I understand why they have the no snack rule and the no toys rule. The snacks is because if your kid brings in something that has say nuts or something else that another child is allergic to and then drop a peice and then the other child gets a hold of it, it isn't good as we all know. Also, we don't have a no toys rule, but I sure wish we did. When we get kids who bring toys from home, everyone always wants to play with them, then the kids who it belongs to gets all mad and crys. It just causes a lot of problems, plus, its a pain to try to keep track of who came with what and make sure it goes home with them.

I don't understand the no parnet rule. It really helps a lot of our kids to have mom or dad bring them in and get them interested in playing with something. Then, once they are sucked in, they make a run for it.

I'm not sure what our ratio's are. It seem like in the mornings, when it is very busiest, when have 4 people working and we have 6 infants (0-2) and 15-16 kids (2-8). We also have a seperate infant room that the babies stay in until they can walk. Also, if your gym allows employees to take their kids, I believe that once they are over a certain age (2 or 3 I think) they don't count against the ratios.

Anyway, thats what I know about the daycare I work at.

I hope everything works out. If it is something you really want to do, just keep at it. I think they'll get used to it. Also, try to go at the slowest times of the day. I take my girls in when it is the very slowest, just because I know they'll enjoy it more.

 

They should allow parents to be in there too. ARe they afraid of what you might see??? That is a HUGE red flag for me. I would start asking questions around there and see what they are afraid of. 8 minutes? That is an incredibly short amount of time.

 

Don't give up. It took mine about a month of going twice a week before they got used to it. I still have trouble with the baby but I think that is because it gets loud in there. Now my older two love it! Ask the workers when the least busy time is. I loved going MWF, but it was way too crowded then, so I switched to T&Th and it's much better. Also, every once in awhile I bring the teachers some coffee or donuts, etc in the morning and they are always thrilled. I think it just helps them to remember me and my kids even though now that I read it, it sounds like bribery! lol