Daycare Crying with my 15 Month

Usually I just lurk here but I have a problem that maybe you girls can give some help on.

I just joined Lucille Fitness and I take my son and daughter there during their daycare hours. For those of you who might not understand this is really something I have to do for myself as I have gotten "bigger" since having my kids and let's not even broach the subject of the stomache overhang. They are running their $15/month special and I had to join. My husband works long hours so I feel like a single mom a lot. Sometimes even on weekends. Anyhow, I know I am going on and on but just trying to give you an idea of my situation.

My son who is 4 and my daughter the 15 month old is dropped off at daycare there during daycare hours for 1.5 hours 3 times/week. My son is fine. My daughter was fine the first time but the second and third time she cries the entire session. The babysiter calls me on the intercom every 30 minutes to let me know she's been crying for the time. I usually try again but it's the same thing. I usually feel bad for the sitter and leave early. I however feel NO GUILT. (I do however feel guilty for not feeling guilty that my daughter cries during that time.)

I signed a 2 year contract and I fear this may go on forever. Please help!!

I also want to point out my "system" for leaving her.

I make it a no big deal. Give her, her juice and tell her mommy will be back later and leave. (30 seconds tops)

I have also tried staying with her for 10 minutes and watching her play in the room then following the above.

I also never leave her by "sneaking out"

sorry so long!!

okay let's hear some advice from daycare moms!

Re: Daycare Crying with my 15 Month

I had a similar situation with dropping my DD off at the gym daycare while I worked out. I started when she was about the same age. The first few times I went at slow hours so I could go in with her and play with her and then take her home with me. I didn't leave her until I did that about 3x. Then I made sure I talked about the girls who worked there and then handed her over to the same girl each time. (i got lucky and she was usually there)

Now I certainly can't say that this worked but I couldn't think of anything more to do. She would cry and they would have to come get me if they couldn't settle her and she went into hysterics. This happened sooo many times that I made sure to get my cardio in 1st and I would hope for 20 minutes. Then I would put her in the stroller and take her around the track (this was at the YMCA) so I could still get a workout.

I think it was hard for her because in the beginning I wasn't going consistenly enough. It got much better when I started going 3x a week. Oh and I changed the time of day I went. I was dropping her off at about 4:00 cause it was a slow time but when I switched to 9am she was a different baby.

So after a long story I would say try to go the same time of day each time and continue with the 3x a week. And look at what her best time of day is. Probably after a meal and well before a nap time. Oh and maybe for the next couple of times drop your workout and rescue her and build up to longer periods (almost like CIO) But don't give up!!!!!

Good Luck!

Re: Daycare Crying with my 15 Month

I don't have DD in daycare so I'm not much help. If you find that it's too difficult to leave her at the daycare, why not get a babysitter at your house 3 times a week for 2 hours? Maybe a family member?

Or, get an elliptical or treadmill for your house? My friend has an elliptical and used to get a babysitter to come to the house for 1 1/2 hours while she was there working out. Just a thought...

Re: Daycare Crying with my 15 Month

I plan on going back to the gym and doing this so I don't have any advice yet.

I plan on going first thing in the morning though right after he's eaten and had a bottle so that he's content.

Is it one of her crankier times of the day when you go?

Re: Daycare Crying with my 15 Month

No advice...justs hugs from someone who has a gym membership yet hasn't step inside for 5 months since DD would cry and scream each time at the daycare and 9 out of 10 times I would be pulled from what I was doing.

Can you ask that your son play with your DD while you are there...maybe the familiar face will help her.

Re: Daycare Crying with my 15 Month

Can you just keep at it until she forms some kind of bond with the carers there? Maybe she just needs to get used to it.

Re: Daycare Crying with my 15 Month

I am joining a gym in January and it will be the first time I leave my DDs at a daycare where they don't know the person. I am afraid of this too. I can't offer BTDT advice, but I plan on bringing some of their own toys and their sippy cups for comfort. Can you try 15 mins one day, then 30 mins, etc. and increase the time you leave them? Good luck! I have a feeling I may be bumping this post in a few weeks too!