Ok, so I’ve had a gym membership for almost 2 years now (and I’ve been paying extra for the kids club every month) but I can count on my 2 hands how many times I’ve gone and my son has literally gone like 4 times. That is, until recently. See when I decide to do something, I mean really do something, there is something inside my mind that just snaps into shape and I can do it. So I made the commitment to myself that I’m going to start working out at the gym and I’m going to bring my son to the kids club. It will be good for both of us.

Day 1: Saturday - we got dressed, I told little J that we were going to the kids club at the gym. I told him that I’d be in the next room exercising with the other mommies and daddies and he’d be in the fun kids room with all the other kids. There were lots of toys and a tv and even a playground.

I also left him with his sippy cup and a little snack. It wasn’t too difficult to leave him. He cried, but the nice woman who worked there tried to engage him in something and was able to distract him for a while. I got to work out for about 30 minutes before they called me over the loud speaker.

Day 2: Monday - same routine. I had noticed last time I was there that some of the kids were clutching what seemed to be favorite toys. So, I had J pick something out from home that he wanted to take with him. He chose his new stuffed rocket toy and little turtle. I figured if he had something to hold onto and cuddle that he might feel better. Good concept, but it didn’t really help much. Day 2 was worse than Day 1. It took me about 10 minutes of coaxing and trying to reason with him before I kinda just gave up and left him sobbing. I know it sounds terrible*, but I am on a mission and there wasn’t much else I could say at that point. 15 minutes later, they called me to get him.

*Just an FYI - he is totally fine when I pick him up and even says he had fun and wants to go back to the kids club. He just missed me.

Day 3: Tuesday - again same routine. Again, the crying when I drop him off. However, this time I am told after the fact that he was easily calmed down and was engaged in an activity almost immediately. I worked out hard anticipating a call over the loud speaker, but hoping it wouldn’t happen. I wanted today to be different. I wanted to go pick him up WITHOUT them calling me because he was crying. I got a really good workout in only 30 minutes and when I went to pick him up, he was busy playing in the corner. They told J I was there and he came running with some tears when he saw me, but was totally fine. This is good. We’ll keep working on it.

I’ve heard from tons of people to just keep trying and eventually (like in 2 weeks) he will actually enjoy going. I believe it. I believe it might even be sooner. I’ll keep you posted.

So, if my son and I can do it, anyone can do it. Here are some key pointers I touched on to help with the process:

1. It is important to tell your child what is going to happen, where you will be and when you will pick them up (and stick to it - don’t say you will be back in 5 minutes and then not show up for 45).

2. Leave your child with their cup (or bottle) and a little snack. It will make them feel more comfortable if they have those basic things available.

3. Let your child bring a favorite toy, stuffed animal or blanket to hold on to. They can attach themselves to that for the time being since you aren’t there.

4. Talk it up. Remind them of the fun toys they played with and the nice kids they get to see when they go.

5. Be consistent. Try to go at or around the same time every day. The same caregivers and the same children will likely be there, plus you will make it a habit for both yourself and your child.

That’s about all the tips I have right now since I’m a newbie myself. Anyone have some other good tips to share?

*This post has been sk*rted. Please give me some love!