MIL called me cruel for putting DD in the crèche at the gym

252 replies

Ganes · 05/11/2025 00:16

I have 2 DC, I work part time 3 days a week, my eldest is 4 and my youngest turned 2 in August. Since my DC were 3 months (the minimum age) I’ve been putting them in the crèche at my gym for an hour while I go to a class or do a work out. Right now our set up is generally on my two non working days I drop my oldest at school, we drive to the gym, DD goes into the crèche for an hour roughly from 9.15-10.15, we have a little play in the play area then either stay at the gym for swimming or go to a toddler ballet class from 11-11.30. The rest of the day we play together, make lunch together all sorts. She doesn’t always nap now but I do put her down for a nap around 1.30 sometimes she just plays in her room other times she will nap, then she is back up at 2 and we get another hour of play before picking up big sister from school at 3.15 (only a 5 or so minute walk away). I’ve done this with both my DDs, and typically on Saturdays both DH and I go to the gym together and the girls spend an hour in the crèche.
Tonight MIL said this was cruel and I clearly don’t enjoy my children’s company very much. MIL is usually lovely and is very supportive so this took me by surprise and now I’m wondering, is it cruel!
I really enjoy going to the gym, I feel it improves my mental health and I obviously can’t go while I’m at work! DH tends to go 2-3 mornings a week before going to work so he gets his time to go.

AIBU putting my DC in the crèche at our gym?

OP posts:

PercyPigInAWig · 05/11/2025 00:34

If you have checked the qualifications of the staff and are happy to use it then go ahead.

For a child that young (3 months) no way would I have left them in a crèche facility at a gym, but I would also not have started them in daycare at that age either.
When the time comes for daycare I looked at settings and got a feel for the staff and asked who would their eg worker be etc. I suppose your children probably did get used to the gym childcare staff if you go regularly.

You mention you have a DH so I probably would have gone to the gym when he was able to look after the DC, and then just
take them to the children’s activities that you attend.

We don’t have much in the way of family support so I remember how hard it was when I had a baby but I chose differently - everyone does what they feel is right. Now DC are older I would not for example use a hotel babysitting service or wedding nanny, I only use people known to us (usually building up the relationship over time).

devuskums · 05/11/2025 00:18

Mil is being ridiculous. Keep doing what you are doing with no guilt whatsoever 💪❤💐

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