Dear Moms: They Don't NEED the Programs!
Dear Moms Who Get Ticked Because Either My Program Schedule Doesn't Fit Yours or Your Child Is Still Too Young For Anything I Do:
Your child doesn't NEED to come to library programs.
For that matter, your child doesn't NEED Gymboree. Or Kindermusik. Or art class, or toddler ballet (I kid you not) or any of the sixty skadillion other programs being run for babies and toddlers.
Please don't tell me your child needs "stimulation". You can get just as much stimulation out of a walk in the park, a trip to the grocery store or some time at the playground as you can in a "class". Probably more so, because you are one on one with your child and can do what THEY like to do as they like it, instead of following a carefully programmed script!
And you can get far more out of sitting with a child in your lap, looking at a book together, than you can from my storyhours.
Don't get me wrong. I love your kids and I love telling them stories. But it's not like what I did for my own girls. That's the experience I will treasure forever.
And it goes so DURN fast!
Pretty soon, your kids won't be little any more. They'll have lots to do. They'll be spending time with their friends, they'll be off at school. They won't think you're the smartest, funniest, most wonderful person in the whole wide world!
But they do NOW.
So please, bring your kids in to visit. Get some books, take them home, sit down with your child in your lap and READ!
Sing together. Let them bang on a pot with a spoon, build a block tower, tumble on the floor with you. There won't be a clown puppet or a songlist to follow, but that's what makes it fun--you make it up as you go along.
There are all sorts of mother's groups. Go www.momsclub.org for a group that may have programs in your area. Lots of churches sponsor groups, as do recreation departments. These groups usually offer playgroups and trips and "mom's nite outs". Find one and you can meet lots of other moms to share playdates with.
Create your own playgroup and let your kids play while you drink coffee and chat with other moms. I know you need it. All moms do.
But please don't kid yourself that your children NEED programs and that it's purely for their stimulation. Because we all know better.
And if you're feeling the need to go to a lot of these programs, maybe it's time to rethink WHY you're at home with your kids. Just a thought!
Best wishes from,
The Library Lady
(mother of 2 underprivleged girls who never, EVER went to programs, and seem to be doing just fine none the less..........)
