Let your toddler go w/out you?

[moonlight]

DD started her speech therapy weekly visit yesterday. We already met the therapist last week during the eval so this was the second visit I guess. She walked up to us in the waiting room and asked to take DD (who is 20 months old) back alone without me. I asked for how long and she said the whole 50 minute session. I gave her the most confused look and said 'uhhhhhhh no." Then she seemed confused and said ok. Then she told me that its to help her establish a rapport. I tell her I'll sit quietly and let her do the session without interruptions from me. WWYD? If I'm remembering right the recommendations are to not let your small child go to any appointment alone without you. Didn't I see that on TV like 100 times last year?

[Thirteen]

I'm not okay with anyone being alone with my kids, professional or not. It kinda gives me the creeps.

[v-girl]

I wouldn't at that age.

[Pollyanna]

I wouldn't at that age.

Ditto.

[GrayMatterWife]

20 months?

Hmmm... That seems a little young.

[scrub-jay]

Nope, not a chance. They can establish rapport with you there IMHO.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

It would be different if there was a one-way glass situation where you could see/hear what was going on (like some dance and swim places do), but no way otherwise!

[DCJenn]

How new is this therapist. There is no rapport with a toddler in that context. If she wants the toddler to be comfortable then you need to be there. If she wants to see how she responds without you around, that's something else- not rapport. IF she needs to see how she responds to things- (for example is she turning to you to do her answering for her and they want to see what she does when you're not there) then the therapist needs to explain that and YOU need to be right on the other side of the door.

Odd.

Jenn

[Chrisada]

Heck no. P does speech once week and I sit in the corner and watch.

[TigerLily]

No way! A's ST comes to our house and I try to participate in whatever they are doing. Besides it uncomfortable to send your 20 month old with someone else, I think it's helpful for you to see what they are doing so you can continue some of it at home if you want.

[moonlight]

The therapist looks 23 yrs old to me but I'm sure she is closer to mid/late 20's. She seems very sweet. She is also about 4-5 month pregnant with her first baby. It's one of those situations where I felt 90% sure my child wouldn't be harmed by her.

In the end I'm the mom. It's my job to keep her safe. Also, I want to observe the therapy so I know what to work on with her at home, see her progress, and see what I'm PAYING for in these sessions. I knew where she was going with the whole "rapport" thing. She wants to show DD that she (the therapist) will be directing the sessions and that DD can't come running to me hanging on my leg. The truth is I don't really have one of those 'hang on your leg' type of toddlers. She may turn into that someday but for now she seems to enjoy playing independently. I tried explaining that to the therapist at the end of the session and she agreed. During the 50 minutes DD only looked over at me twice just to make sure I was still there. Otherwise she was happy to follow along with the therapy.

sorry that was longish!

[SuzySunshine]

I wouldn't do it at first either. If she wanted you to leave the session for a few minutes to gauge how she does with separation that is one thing but not for the whole session every week.

[diggitydot]

Nope, I wouldn't let a virtual stranger (pregnant woman or not) take my 20-month old toddler out of my sight for ANY reason.

[scarlett09]

Nope. Despite the immediate feelings of uneasiness, I'm glad the session went well.

[HouseofWool]

At 20 months I would not let her go alone either. When Caleb had speech therapy he was 6-7 and I typically sat 10 feet from the door. However, he was certainly old enough to tell me if he felt something hinky was going on.