Story Hour A Learning Experience For The Both Of Us

Every Thursday Prince and I head down to the local library for story hour, which involves a few books and a craft at the end. I knew this was going to be a great learning experience for my toddler, but I never thought it would be such a big learning experience for myself.

Obviously it is great for him children ranging in ages from newborn to 5 (sometimes older if school is off), this gives him tons of social interaction with plenty of different children. He is home with me all day and it was about time he got around some other kids. Thankfully my child loves books so getting him there is never an issue, getting him to sit still is something totally different. His favorite part is craft time, he tries to emulate his older peers and does 3/4 of his craft independently. He is thriving from going I see such a difference in his social behavior and how much he is learning and picking up from the other kids, especially after the craft is over and they play in the toy corner.

What I didn't realize is how much I needed this experience when we first started about 4 weeks ago. Story hour has been teaching me patience like crazzyyyy. I see myself getting frazzled sometimes when he just won't sit still and insists on running all over, I've learned (for the most part) LET IT GO!! He is fine, let him be, just keep an eye on him, the whole point of this was for learning and fun....and that's exactly what he's doing. And the other moms, THEY ARE FANTASTIC....so encouraging and reassuring during those frazzled, anxiety filled moments where he just simply doesn't want to listen (normal for his age), asserting independence ( again, whole point of going) These moms and sometimes grandmothers are simply wonderful, I can't say it enough. The Librarian is amazing with the children and has never asked me to not have my child come back because of throwing a tantrum,she actually encourages us to keep coming, which I never would have expected.


 I have a great time just being around so many different moms, different ages, lifestyles, number of kids, stay at home, working in the home, working outside the home, strict parents, lax parents, even keel parents.
To us it doesn't matter about who breastfed or who didn't or what we let our kids do and eat and watch, it is about having a great outing with our sweet children and giving them the gift of early learning, making friendships, and hanging with other moms.

 I can honestly say we will continue going to story hour until it is time for preschool and maybe even pop in from time to time then as well. And I am so thankful for this wonderful experience with my child every Thursday as he makes his way to the car, joyfully talking about how much he loves his buddies, crafts, and books, at the library.