We've Been Kicked Out of the Gym 2 Nights in a Row.

Hi A. - I just happened upon your question and wanted to reassure you that your son's crying will pass. He is right at the age (15-18mos) where the avg. kid goes through the worst kind of separation anxiety. Thankfully it will pass. A "lovee" will help but the childcare workers are really the key. I disagree with Mayda, definitely talk to the manager and let him know in a nice way that you wish he could find someone who was as good as the other lady.

You might have a chat with the childcare workers who are there that he is just at this developmental stage and could they be patient with him and comfort him, and that with some distraction, he could have some fun. My son who is almost 2.5 was a crier this time last year and had a really hard time when I left him at church. It started getting better by his 2nd birthday when he changed rooms and was with other 2 yr olds. They commented just the other day that he never has a problem - he walks right in and has a lot of fun.

In the meantime, maybe you could borrow a jogging stroller or find a "mommy and me" class to help you get through the next couple of months. Best of all things to you!

Hi, I definitely agree that it's a good idea to go in without the pressure of getting a workout in, but to help transition your son. Also, communicate with whoever is working. Let them know what you are trying to do and see what they can help you with. I'm sure they are very busy and can't reasonably dedicate too much time to one kid, but if they know you are trying, they might be more likely to help you out.

If it makes you feel better, I had the opposite problem. I worked out at 24 hour fitness exactly one time! I think my daughter was probably the same age as your son at the time. It was the first time I had left her. I told them very clearly that if she cried more than a couple of minutes to come get me, that I didn't want her left standing there in tears. Well, 45 mintues later, I came to get her thinking everything was fine but there she stood, completely red faced and out of breath from crying. They said "oh, she just started that". Right. So not to add my own story, but to lend some perspective!! Good luck.

And be sure to remind your son in 10 years or so what all you did for him!!

I would suggest taking your child's favorite stuffed animal or blanket or whatever he has for comfort. Then go to the gym not to workout but to make your child comfortable. Ask if you can stay with him for 15 minutes and play with him in Kid's club. Go out after 15 minutes and walk around. Then take him back in for 15 minutes and stay with him again and play. This will let him know this is a safe place. Do it again another day and have him interact with the other employees while you are still there. He will feel so much more comfortable. I would suggest to keep doing this and stay less and less so he will know he will eventually have to stay on his own.

IT IS OUR JOB AS A MOTHER(PARENT) TO MAKE OUR KIDS COMFORTABLE AT ANOTHER LOCATION AND NO ONE ELSE'S.

I personally don't understand why everyone is suggesting to speak to the Manager. What are they suppose to do? Force the employees to hold a crying, uncomfortable baby for a longer time and ignore the other kids??? There job is to make sure everyone's children are enjoying themselves and make sure they are playing safely. You have to take into consideration that they are watching more than one child at a time not just one child. Their ratios are different. It is a private facility and it is their right to kick anyone out for the safety of all the other kids. It is not a daycare!!!!!

Some children have a harder time being away from Mom and Dad. I understand it is frustrating, but these little guys have a mind of their own and unfortunately if they are not happy leaving your sight then that means working out at home might be your only option until they grow out of this phase. Or hire a babysitter to watch you baby at home while you workout. Some babies just don't like the overstimulation these type of places provide.

Good luck!! I hope one day you can have great workouts in the future!!! It certainly helps us keep our sanity :)

As a fellow member of 24 hour fitness, I'm sort of irritated for you! My kids are 6 and 7, but frankly I've seen them put up with a lot more than crying in there.

I would ask to speak to the manager and explain the situation. Explain to him that the last person there was able to work with you and now you can't get a good work out. Keep in mind you're paying for your work out (and the childcare).

If they can kick you out, then you have the right to go in and demand someone try to work with you.

The only other suggestions is - are you within visual range of your child? Maybe if you either pop in ocassionally (oh, I'm thinking at about 8 mins! hee hee) or totally stay out of visual range it might help.

Good luck!

Does he have something special - a toy, blanket, pacifier, book - something you could bring from home to help him out? Have you talked to the workers now about what the other person did to calm him down? And I would speak to the manager as well.

Hi A.,
I feel your pain. Does your son have a lovey or security object - like a blankie - he could bring with him? That's the only thing I can think of off the top of my head. I'm sure I'll be in the same position in a few months. Our twin boys are almost 10 months! Good luck & hope this helped.