On a rainy day a few months ago, this NYC Stay at Home Dad decided to test out the babysitting service in the kids’ playroom at the local NY Sports Club. Big mistake! I “strolled” into the gym around 10 a.m., and went directly to the kids’ playroom with my son, who had just woke up from a short nap. I was pleased to find two babysitters in the playroom and only 3 other kids – great ratio of 1 to 2! I asked the sitter what their rate was per hour and how their program works. Basically, they accept kids as early as 3 months old, you sign your name/address on a sheet, sign a waiver, accept the bargain fee of $5.00/hr, and can use their service for up to 2 hours. Other important information: the babysitter will not change diapers, and will find you in the gym if your baby starts to cry. I handed the babysitter a blanket for tummy time and told them how much my son loved being in the Exersaucer. I know my son’s temperament, and his ability to entertain himself on a playmat or in an Exersaucer for an extended period of time, so I was positive that this would work out for me once or twice a week.
I lasted about 20 minutes on the treadmill before I saw the babysitter’s reflection in the mirror behind me, waving her arms, and telling me my “baby is crying.” I returned to the playroom to find my son in screaming tantrum mode (a rarity). Bottom line: he was in his stroller seat, with no toys for 20 minutes – he was bored. They would not put him on the playmat because two older kids were around and they worried about his safety. They would not put him in the Exersaucer because he was not 7 months old yet (he was 2 days away). Those were their rules and they were sticking to them. I guess they were telling me that they expected my son to sit in the stroller like a ‘perfect angel’ during my hour workout – fat chance! I have seen playrooms at their Long Island locations that look newer, more spacious, and filled with lots of new toys. I have not returned to the gym during the day since that incident almost 2 months ago. I am interested to hear if anyone has had a positive/negative experience like this?
Check out http://www.care4hire.com. I used them to find my sitters and have had great success. It’s quick and easy to login and contact sitters directly. I highly recommend their site to all my family and friends.
Hey look! The blog is a success, it’s getting anonymous advertising already 😛
Anyways, my best man who has a son the same age as ours takes his son to daycare. He told me a story of something similar, how they took a toddler out of a bouncy or something like that to give to his son. That child was furious and wobbled over to scream in his son’s face until he started freaking out too.
Fortunately the caregivers were near to handle it and soothe the situation, but definitely not a good scenario to see before going to work.
Now, they’re supposed to separate the ones who can walk from the ones who can’t because of similar reasons the healthclub was worrying about. The reason they had the toddler in the pre-crawler room was that a caregiver was late in the toddler room so they had to move a child to the pre-crawlers.
I’m amazed Jake lasted 20 minutes in the stroller with limited distractions. That’s way too much to expect anyone, much less a curious baby to sit with nothing to do. I wouldn’t go back either.
I can’t find your email address on the blog.. Am I overlooking it?
When you edit your profile, you have the option of checking the box, show my email. You do want people to have the option of privately emailing you, rather than having to use the comments.
I have been blogging with blogger for years; I would be glad to help. I am a writer and editor as well as a librarian and social worker.