First, let me say that I am a parent of kids ages 11.10,8 and 18 months. I have to schlep my toddler around to all of their sporting events, guitar lessons, etc. It's torture for me and my toddler. I bring toys, books, snacks, etc and she wants nothing to do with them. She wants to run on the stage at the school gym, play on the bleachers, run down the hallway... you get the idea. We have no family or babysitters to help with this, really, so I am constantly running after her. It sucks. Big time. I want to watch my older kids, but there's no way.
That being said, there has got to be a better way. This mom MAY feel like I do and want to watch her other child do gymnastics. (It wasn't clear if there's an older sibling who she's there watching or if this toddler is, in fact, in the class - I'm assuming he's the sibling) However, she can't do that at the expense of everyone around her. Maybe a well-intended suggestion that consignment stores often have the Leapster games for great prices - it might keep Ryanbuddy busy. OR, tell her what activities/games/books, etc your kids loved and that Ryanbuddy might like them as well. I have noticed that if I bring toys for my daughter, she's not interested, but anyone else's toys, she loves. You may not want to extend such kindness to this lady, but you could bring in some toys/books, etc to see if it keeps him busy. It would be a nice gesture in the least. It kind of sounds like she is a) just too lazy to run after him and keep him in check or b) completely exhausted by running after him all day. I would try to suggest things, first, then if it doesn't get better, tell her Ryan is a distraction and it's not fair for everyone else who's trying to watch their kids, too. If you don't like the idea of confrontation, telling the owner is the only other way to go about it. Like already mentioned, the owner isn't going to want to lose customers over this, so she'll have to come up with something. Is there a playroom or area the owner could throw together, to help contain the smaller spectators? If not,she may have to come out and tell the mom, Ryanbuddy is too much of a distraction. I wish you all luck with this!!!