Story Time

 

A few weeks ago the librarian at work who runs Toddler Story Time was off-island at a conference. They asked me if I would be willing to fill in.

As I generally aspire to be an optimistic, fearless sort of person, I smiled and said, "Sure."

Yeah. Right.

I had about two minutes to prepare. Okay, maybe it was closer to 30, but clearly I needed more. The parents and their tiny offspring assembled in the children's room, eying me with suspicion.

Perched with only half my ass on a kiddie-sized chair, I began reading from the pile of books the children's librarian had left for this purpose.

It was a tough crowd. The kids were all under two, but they were the least of my problems. I spilled out a bag of puppets onto the floor. Passed around bells. They were putty in my hands.

But their parents? Well, they expected more. Clearly I did not know the routine. Naively, they expected singing.

"Oookaay," I exclaimed brightly. "What should we sing?"

Then I drew a complete blank.

How embarrassing. There I was, a veteran mother with three ancient children. Not to mention the thousands I've cared for in the hospital. Although to be fair, sick or injured kids don't frequently require lots of singing from their nurses.

Maybe things would've run more smoothly if I could've administered IV antibiotics or listened to their lungs?

Meanwhile, the toddlers were waiting, bells at the ready. One adorable little babe sporting round pink eyeglasses stared at me with wide-eyed expectation. My heart melted.

"How about Itsy Bitsy Spider," one grandmother not much older than me suggested helpfully. And off we went. 

"You had to sing?" First-Born Son remarked incredulously that night on the phone when I recounted my tale of woe. "Those poor kids."

Do you see what I have to put up with? And he's the nice one.

Now that it's over, it doesn't seem quite so bad. Maybe I'll even do it again some time. Although I'll definitely bone up on my kiddie songs first.

I get to see that sweet little baby with the pink glasses each week when she and her mom check out their books. She always gives me a huge grin. I'm convinced she remembers who I am.

But I'm not quite sure if she's laughing with me or at me.

 

Comments

[Brenda]

What bravery! I remember carting my son off to such things & I'm sure the moms there were incredibly grateful to have someone like you entertain their little darlings for a bit.

But for you to be able to sing on demand…wow. Wish I could've been there! (to see, not sing)
:-)

[SuziCate]

I work with toddlers everyday...trust me, you're right they're not the tough ausience, it's the parents. Kids can't care less if you're off key or can't dance...parents are the judges! And that smile it genuine, the pink-glassed babe loves you. One thing kids are (often to my dismay!) is honest!

[Diane]

Wow, I've never done anything like that. I'd say it takes equal parts courage and love. So, kudos to you for taking on story time, well done! -Diane

[Jan]

You know, it's funny - by the time you get to our age, dealing with teenagers is easier (and I use that word loosely) than dealing with toddlers. I guess because it's just been so long.

[Lynn]

Oh I had such smile at your post! Maybe IV something to the parents pre: storytime before you do it again again. teehee. I used to teach Kindermusik classes, (0-3yrs). It was great fun, but I definitely wouldn't want to go in unprepared. Kids are so unpredictable that you have to have lots of ammunition to keep them with you. And the parents, too. I hate that feeling that everyone is looking to you to fill their time, and you've got...nadda. Uh. Thank heavens for helpful grandmothers!

[Joanie M]

I could never work with little kids. I'd get way too frustrated trying to get cooperation. Main reason why I'm not a teacher. Plus there's that no degree thing.

Grat job with the wee ones!

[Jen on the Edge]

Yikes. Talk about pressure.

There was a time when I had been pacing the floor with my sobbing infant for what felt like hours. I thought I'd sing to her but I was so exhausted that my mind went blank. The only thing I could remember were drinking songs from college...so that's what I sang.

[Erin@TheLocalsLoveIt]

I had the cutest mental picture of you sitting up in front of all these kids with your bells and puppets. Good job!

[LPC]

Oh Maureen. I love it. I used to bounce my son to sleep whilst singing an old Irish song, done by Van Morrison and the Irish Chieftains. The lyrics were something like The Boys Won't Leave The Girls Alone...

[jessica]

you are officially Jewish if you're not sure if a baby is laughing with you or at you. welcome to the tribe.

[Mama Badger]

Sounds like you did great. Your target audience obviously appreciated you and was willing to help (as good 2 year olds do!)

When all else fails him, PB turns to old sitcom themes for songs. LG has been rocked to sleep more than once to the tune of Gilligan's Island.

[Sprite's Keeper]

Oh, I love story time at our local bookstore! Ms. Trish is very used to Sprite and her crew since we've been going since Sprite could sit up. Once, Ms. Trish wasn't there and a sub filled in, our kids wouldn't give the poor woman a chance..

[Jane]

I remember those days with my boys. And I remember being just as surprised as you that there was singing - in the library! Sounds like you did a beautiful job! Yay you!

[Erin]

My sister was just telling me what a tough crown the mommies are at her local story time.
I don't miss those days at all.
I read books to my 4th and 5th graders every day and sometimes they are a tough crowd. I would never want to read to their parents. Ack.

[kathryn]

Oh, how adorable is this story? I'm sure you did WAY better than you're letting on...and I'll bet they'll wind up requesting you!

I felt the same way as a substitute teacher....but now you know what they expect, so you're golden!

[lisleman]

can you juggle? that's a good trick. I can't sing and would have stuck to the reading.

[Heather]

As soon as you said "what should we sing?". I also drew a blank, for the life of me I can't think under pressure. Kids are pressure, trying to keep them amused is tough.

Yeah, for you!

[Smart Mouth Broad]

Fun to mix it up a little tho, right? I feel your pain. The first time Daughter #1 ever put two words together, it was to cover my mouth and say, "No sing."

[Pseudo]

Really? They wanted you to sing... Once in awhile, when I read out loud to my students (15 years old and horrified by adult's making ass)I will think of a related song and sing a bit. I love how uncomfortable and embarassed they get for me ; -)

[Kirsty @ Gone Bananas]

LMAO that would've totally been me! You poor soul, you'll think twice before stepping in next time. Moms can be so intimidating where entertainment of their children is involved. Aww you deserve a pedi and a latte after that. :-)

[Casey]

Aww, you sound way nicer than the lady who does story time at our library. I stopped going there over a year ago because she was just plain MEAN to the kids. Seriously, if they wiggled an inch, she would stop reading or singing to tell them to stay still. I heard her tell one mom "if you want to take him outside to burn some energy and then come back, that would be fine." Let me know when you're up again and we'll come to your story time!

[Picture Imperfect]

I can think of few things more terrifying than entertaining a group of toddlers for more than a second or two.

You are a gem, Maureen. You impress me more with every little tidbit I learn about you - and today I think you are a hero of epic proportions! ;o)