Gym and a 2 year Old

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Permalink Reply by Kim C on February 15, 2009 at 1:21pm

While it can be controversial with some moms, when my kids would do this, I resorted to keeping tootsie rolls in my purse and when they started crying, I'd tell them that if they could go in and play nicely while mommy worked out (or did whatever the activity was at the time), I'd give them a tootsie roll when I came back. It worked like magic for my middle son. Although, I will say that it was very humbling to know that my worth was equal to a tootsie roll! :0).

Doesn't necessarily have to be a tootsie roll (or candy) but anything that they really like that maybe they don't get all the time. Once it became a habit that they went there and were fine, I phased them out.

Hope this helps.

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Permalink Reply by Karina Rivas McKee on February 15, 2009 at 7:26pm

Good point Kim C. At Lifetime Fitness, we promise them to take them to the pool afterwards.... although of course that can't be the case everytime. Thanks for the idea, maybe I'll bring a treat in next time when we can't make it to the pool.

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Permalink Reply by Courtney on February 18, 2009 at 8:52pm

We are working on this right now. He is just SO shy (2.5), and gets so overwhelmed, so easily. I've found that if I promise him something (swimming after my pilates class, a trip to Target, a vanilla milk, whatever...) he seems to do a little better. I also try to leave enough time to spend a few minutes with him beforehand.

I don't feel guilt, because a) I get so much from the workout, and b) if he's miserable, he'll let them know, and they'll let me know!

But, it remains a work in progress for us. He's been going since he was 5 months old, but the problems are quite recent.

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Permalink Reply by Tuba - Web Admin on February 19, 2009 at 11:40pm

I remember our story with the kids club at gym.. When Bora was 2.5 years old, oneday I left him to the kids club... And after 10 min.. they announced my name :)) " Tuba Acer, Tuba Acer, come and take your child.. Hey, Bora's mom...Do you hear us???" Oh yeah... At least 50 people heard my name :)) I guess they were so impatient or Bora was so stubborn...

Guess what!!! That was his first and last day at the gym's kids club.. :))

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