Is it ok to bring my daughter to an exercise class with me?

Question

I'm a single parent of a 6 year old, and literally do nothing for myself. I decided to take a yoga class at the Y, and thought it would be ok to bring my daughter along and have her sit in the back. I told my daughter she could not talk to me during class and would have to sit very quietly where I showed her. When we arrived,the others in the class freaked out. No one said anything directly to me, but some glared (at her, then me) for the first 15 minutes or so. Then she fell asleep (was really bored), so I thought it would be fine, but then I overheard people in the parking lot saying how stupid that was, that this wasn't a childcare facility, and it was distracting to the others in class. I'm thinking, it's just the Y and not a big deal class. I really would like to continue, but I don't know if I should bring her back. I can't go unless she comes (it's right after work, and I don't have time to run her to a sitter).

Answer 1

no

Answer 2

If she sits there quietly and doesn't bother anyone or cause any disruptions then I don't see what the big deal is. Personally I think the people in your yoga class are snobs who lack empathy and have no idea what it's like to be a single parent... With that being said, isn't there a childcare option at the Y? The one near my home has a kids room and they only charge $1 an hour or something like that. I would look into it, she'd have more fun there. If not, then take her anyway as long as the instructor doesn't mind. =]

Answer 3

I'm not a parent, however.. if I had paid to be able to take classes at a gym, I would assume that it would be just that - a class at a gym - not a daycare. Honestly, I would be really irritated if someone brought their kid(s) into a class. Don't all gyms have little daycare facilities in them now?? If I were you, I would only get a membership at a gym with a "daycare" available.

Answer 4

Ask whoever is teaching the class.  If they dont have a problem with it then its fine, especially if your daughter is well behaved.  Or you might want to see if they have any childrens classes that are the same time as your yoga for any sports or even swimming.

Answer 5

As a parent, I understand your predicament.  However, I can also understand your classmates' point of view.  Perhaps many of them are taking the class for the same reason you are - to have some time for themselves.  That may be their little escape from parenthood.  Look into classes at the Y that your daughter could take while you're in yoga.  If none are available, there are plenty of gyms that have daycare facilities; I suggest you find one.  Good luck.

Answer 6

Wow, when I went to do some classes at the women's health club I belonged to,  occassionally different women wouldbring their kids and sometimes they would join in the class, it was so cute, I don't see a problem with it especially considering your daughter fell asleep, Ask the instructor if they say it's fine then it's fine, and the others can go jump, geee they sound stuck up, I just don't get some people at times. Good Luck to you and don't let these rude people ruin it for you, you're making the best of the situation so go for it and bugger them.

Answer 7

I took my 8 year old to yoga with me. I got weird looks but my daughter was doing the yoga right along with everyone else. Who cares what they think, as long as she sits still and doesn't talk. half the adults acted worse than a 5 year old in our class anyway (laughing, loud talking etc). Don't let it bother you.