How to make the best of story hour or playgroup
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Mondays are quickly becoming one of my favorite days. Well besides the weekends of course, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Every Monday at 4:00 I greet Bean with an enormous smile and take my spot in the circle at story-hour. I watch with pride as he shouts out familiar words, interacts with other kids and attempts to participate in the fingerplay. Sounds pretty picture-perfect, right?
Well it isn’t always a bed of roses. And until I allowed myself to let go of my preconceived expectations, I wasn’t enjoying story hour as much as I should have been.
The simple fact is that your kid isn’t going to listen. He isn’t always going to sit still. Sometimes there will be other kids there with runny noses who try and TOUCH( the horror!) your precious angel boy. Sometimes other kids will try and PUSH(double horror!!) your angel boy. And sometimes your angel boy will get in the face of another kid. Other times your angel boy will run rampant around the room escaping your arms with glee and ensuing a game of chase while other mamas watch on— judging you.
LET IT GO.
The fact that your son clings to his grandma when you try and take him in your lap (after you’ve rushed there from work, disheveled and short of breath)? Let it go. The fact that you looked forward to this precious moment with your son all day and were greeted with a smile that quickly turned into a fuss? Let it go.
Instead, sing like a goofball, dance like a crazy person and be patient. Because when that little hand makes its way to your shoulder and you take your little angel into your lap for a song, it’s all totally worth it — I promise.
Story hour isn’t always perfect. And there are times when I truly ask myself if the “stress” is worth it. But then I watch my man clap. I see him smile at other kids. I see him dance. I share moments of fun and learning with him and think, “there is no where else I would rather be.”
And those other scary, seemingly judgmental moms? Smile at them and say hello – you never know when you might just make a friend.
other kids are germ factories. Your kid will pick up every germ and cold out there and pass it on to you. It doesn’t get any better.