I enrolled ds2 in the 0-2 gym tots, envisaging a lot of fun playing on soft stuff and trampolines and tunnels etc. I thought it would be about letting the little ones explore and perhaps a little bit of organised song time.
Started last week and it was ds's first time at anything like this. To start they have a little song in a circle, which was nice. They split the room into 4 areas and the children must go on the equipment following a specific route and not leave their area till 5 minutes elapsed. They then have to form a train and wait to go to the next area. Where it goes on. To finish it all off they have another song time with sticks and actions.
Sounds rather pleasant.... until you realise that your 14 month old doesnt want to follow the route and wants to look around and see what it is all about. THe woman in my area said its fine and natural for them to want to explore. So off he goes, me in tow and picks up a rubber ring. The main instructor then rushes up, removes ring from ds's grip and states that this is all about discipline my jaw nearly hit the floor and i was at a loss what polite thing i could say. She said that the children 'must' do as we want regardless whether they want to and thats how they will learn. I was so cross as that is not what i signed him up for. I thought i'd let it go as maybe i mistook her. She made other comments through the session not just to me. She said that its better than weight watchers, comments several times that i would get hot (had long sleeved t-shirt on), commented on me breastfeeding, commented on everything...
THis week i gave it another shot as i thought it could have been me or just a bad day. In the changing room other mothers said about her too, she calls one of the babies fattie, lump etc, another she says needs a haircut and discipline (20 months), and it goes on. They also have uniform to wear.
Ds2 really didnt like it, he didnt want to go around the course after the second time and just wanted milk and a cuddle. He was crying and very upset. We are sat feeding and she comes and sits next to me when i said he is not enjoying himself and wants a feed. She then said she'll take him around and went to take him (I am feeding him) to which i said No thank you. She then tries again and says he'll enjoy it to which i said more firmly 'no, I am his mother and he doesnt want to' She then made comment that is he nearly done etc. I said (after taking a deep breath), he really doesnt like it much and i dont think this is for him. I then broached last weeks comments and said that i felt this level of organisation and discipline is beyond most 2 and belows and that i really thought it would be more fun for them. There were at least 4 other children crying. SHe said that due to having 18 cildren and 4 workers it had to be organised like this due to health and safety and would refund me. I said i am likely to take her up on this but will go away and think it over. She said that she would like us to come again and she does want ds2 to enjoy it and would try and not be so rigid.. but this whole focus on discipline concerns me at such a young age. Am i being completely unreasonable? Will be off for a bit, nap time and school run etc will check back tonight.