In short, you have a Liebling-baby too! Rock on. My Liebling is now really adventurous, brave, is starting to go to sleep on his own and will cuddle - albeit briefly. He has learnt to be still, but on his own terms. I have helped him and given expectations and praise, but never forced it on him. He needs to do everything in his own time, else he refuses. He went from refusing to play "schools" with his chums at pre-school to being the best writer overnight. TT could have been months of hell, but instead he decided no more nappies one day and didn't even wet the bed at night (this was after a few aborted attempts at me deciding he was ready, which he actually was). He is also thoughtful and generous, but that is because I have always been so to him.
Willful is fine, so long as it is channelled in the right direction. Think of the business leaders, politicians, ethics campaigners... they're just as willful.
Advice - if she has to sit still and cannot, don't push it yet. Either take food (kept Liebs still for 5 mins) or stand with her and bounce about/dance during the mat time, if you decide to persevere that is. I didn't persevere with a lot of things like that for Liebs.
Having been a gymbaroo mum for a few years, I would suggest this is the most tolerant place for you to be (or at least should be with the right instructor!).
My (short!) advice would be to keep going - sorry bubs is cranky with new tooth. Must go - hope to be back!!!!
My DS was exactly as you described loved the free play of Gymbaroo but mat time was a nightmare. I spent the whole time retrieving him from behind the desk or under the seats and it just became really unpleasant. In the end I stopped going as I was pregnant and it was just too hard.
I have been told that Kindergym is good for our type of kids as while there is some instruction to teach skills they have more time and freedom to explore all the equipment. So that might be worth a look.
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