Appropriate to Leave Child at Class?

I have two sons, one is five and one is 7. They are beginning their 4th year of gymnastics and have not had any injuries to speak of. However, I have been called to school several times for injuries suffered on the playground and gym class. My point here, I guess, is that you can't predict when or if your child will be injured. It could even happen at a birthday party or a play date. The thing that we've learned with gymnastics is that the instructors anticipate injuries and know how to handle them. I would just make sure that they had your cell phone number and that you were accessible at all times. Two hours is agonizing for those younger siblings. Some of the mom's in my son's gumnastics class will actuall get sitters for their younger children periodically as well.
My youngest child has a medical condition that requires that I stay with him almost everywhere simply for the comfort of instructors, coaches, etc. We have had to come to grips with the fact that leaving him in school alone with a teacher is something that just has to happen. It's not easy for a parent to let go of a child so young and put them in the hands of someone else. We say a prayer at drop off and deal with whatever happens!

I personally would not leave my child. I would stay.

It's totally fine to leave her. IN fact, it's probably better for her. In the beginning though, if YOU are more comfortable, stay for a little while (like 15 minutes) and come back early (this also helps get a decent parking spot when you get back to get her).

Good luck!

I personally wouldn't worry about leaving my child as long as he was in the care of a trusted source. You simply can't be there all the time - there are going to be times when your child's care will be left to someone else, and there's nothing we can do. My child is turning 5 in October and I've found that the more I leave him on his own, the more intelligent and self-sufficient he's becoming. He's very social for his age and it's a result of him being frequently in the care of a variety of different people in a variety of environments. People are amazed at his behaviour, language, social interactions, and amount of knowledge for a 5 year old. I honestly believe the earlier you can begin to foster independence in your child the better off he/she will be. Remember we're raising adults, not children. Confident parenting is beneficial to your child and also to your state of mind! If you're not visibly worried about them, they don't worry about you being gone. They'll pick up on your emotions and mirror them. I may have gotten a little off track, but, you get the point! :)

I would leave her. I'll be leaving my 4 year old twins this fall at classes because I also have an almost 3 y.o and a 7 month old. The only reason you had to sign waivers is so that the gym can't be sued. You take her to school right? There's just as muc potential to get hurt on the playground at recess. Give yourself some sanity and enjoy spending time with the other kids!!!

Sorry - my response has nothing to do with your question...are you part of an online mom's group? Your name and question is the same as one posted on a site that I'm part of. If so, what a small world!

I also have a 5 yr old and I think I would be fine to leave them I think it is unrealistic for you to stay there for 2 hours with two young children I know I couldn't do it. I think that the waivers probably have more to do with insurance then actual risk because they have to have everyone sign them no matter there age. I don't think it is any different from leaving them at school with playground equipment and gym class they are just as likely to get hurt there. Don't feel bad as long as you live within 15-20 min. away I think it is fine.

Hi K.,
My daughter has been in gym classes and I understand your worries about leaving her alone while doing something that athletic. I wonder why the class is that long. The gyms we've belonged to don't have a five year old in classes that are that intense. Is she in a competitive class? I would worry about her attention span and how burnt out she would get with that much exposure to the class. Maybe a different class that isn't as long, or a gymnastics club that is more understanding of the little ones would be better.