Monday, April 20, 2009

Childcare: Are they really watching your kid?

Hey Mommas,

This is a warning and a rant all rolled into one... I cannot get my mind off of my experience at LA FITNESS today...

SO, after an hour long work out I go into the "Kids Klub" to pick Adalie up. Usually I see her being held by one of the girls laughing, smiling and generally having a good time.... I don't see her in anyones arms. I don't see her on the floor or playing with the table toys! One of the girls who works there recognizes me and says, "oh I'll get her" looks around for a minute and says "where is she" to another girl.

You don't know where my child is? I had already started to panic a bit when I did not see her as soon as I walked in but when that girl said "where is she" I went into full on panic mode! I jumped the baby gate, yes jumped it! And was frantically searching.... Where in the world could my 11 month old be, this room isn't that big! I immediately started thinking kidnapping, hey my kid is pretty cute and kidnappings do happen.

After what seemed like an eternity but was probably only 3 minutes or so the girl found her tucked in between a cubby compartment that holds kids shoes and the ball pit. Two "big boys" that were about seven or eight where playing around her.

I ripped Adalie out of that girls arms without a word to her... I was fuming and on the verge of tears. I immediately reported the incident to a manager who assured me that it would never happen again.

I just can't believe they wouldn't keep a better watch on a small child. How long had they not known where she was? Small children are not suppose to be in the same area as the big kids because of the risk of injury. She could have been stepped on, fallen on, fingers or toes broken. It was an accident waiting to happen!

I have decided to cancel my membership at LA FITNESS. I was already uneasy about the childcare from the beginning and after today I am DONE! I will not trade my Daughter's safety for the convenience of my workout.

MOTHER'S BEWARE!! ARE YOUR CHILDREN REALLY BEING WATCHED?

Meghan

8 comments:

mallory said...

Thank you for sharing this story. This is such a good warning. It is so hard to trust people with your child. You are such a good mom!

Megan said...

That is so scary! Good for you for reporting them and cancelling your membership!

The Akins Family said...

Go to my blog and read about The Kline's daycare experience.....it may be a few down! You may have seen her around Columbus....a good friend of mine that is now in TX. 2 horrible kid stories in 1 week - I can't take it!
Glad little miss is okay!

Claire Helena said...

WOW! I can't believe that! Are you going to go back to the Y?

Grams said...

I'm so sorry you had to experience that. It's the worst fear and panic a mother can experience. It will take you a while to get over it. It scares me to think about it! Love and warm long hugs to you,

whippetmom said...

Between your story and Traci's twins day care story...I'm keeping Gavin home with me for forever!!

Streamlined said...

I would be fuming!!! I have to say this is one of the reasons I started Stroller Strides...I just love being able to workout with my child in my sight!

Faith said...

Oh, Meg! I'm so sorry! I hate that you had to experience this, but good for you for cancelling your membership. You are a GREAT mom!!! Love you!