I just started the YMCA 3 weeks ago. The first day he cried ten minutes and they got me. I played with him for a few minutes and he calmed down. The next time he cried but not ten minutes. They coach you on what to do. It broke my heart to see him cry. It was so stressful but I kept thinking that this is good for my mind and body. I'm showing my son that self care and exercise is important and hopefully he will grow up with it important to him. My friend has been sending her kids to the ymca daycare for years and they're totally fine with it now.
I sing grown ups come back from Daniel tiger when I leave him, too.
I would explain to her in the car that she is going to have fun with new toys and say bye bye mommy because you're going to workout. I'd start her off with one of her favorite snacks for the teacher to offer too. Act excited about all the new fun stuff while you point it out to her and say bye bye see you soon! 😘