I’ve been taking my children to the weekly library story time for years, since my oldest daughter was 12 months old. My oldest now spends her days in elementary school, but my 4-year-old and I still like to hear our favorite librarian read books.
Sometimes life happens and we miss a few weeks, or months. We took a break from library story time last summer because of travel, and then during the first week back to school, my husband’s car was the victim of a fender bender. We were temporarily a one-car family and our daytime outings were limited. Finally … my youngest daughter and I made it back to library story time.
Even though we were gone for a while, some things never change. Over the years, certain personalities have always been in attendance. The people in the group change as children start school, move away, or get involved in other activities, but it seems like these types of kids always get reincarnated in new and different story time attendees. Story time is a great place to see a variety of moms and kids. It’s a melting pot for the families in our community, and it makes for entertaining people watching for introverted moms like me.
The following personalities are frequent attenders at our library story time. Maybe you see yourself or your kids in some of these descriptions:
People Watching at Library Story Time
The Stander. This is the kid who stands directly in front of the book the librarian is reading so no one else can see the pictures, prompting the librarian to repeatedly ask him to sit down. A close cousin of the perpetual standing kid is the kid who perches up on his knees instead of sitting on his bottom.
The Happy Participant. This kid eagerly does all the dances and sings all the songs.
The Cautious Observer. This kid refuses to dance or sing. (This would be both of my kids, although my oldest daughter is more amenable to participating now.)
The Social Butterfly. This kid attempts to carry on inappropriately timed conversations with her neighbors while the librarian is reading: “Hi! My name is Stella. What’s your name? Do you want to be my friend? I have Minions on my underwear.”
The Space Invader. This kid doesn’t doesn’t understand the concept of personal space. He bumps against other kids, gets in their faces, or randomly hugs or grabs them.
The Sprawler. This kid lies on the floor the entire time. (My youngest likes to kick back and relax.)
The Random One. This kid gives totally off-the-wall answers to the librarian’s questions: “What is your favorite animal?” “Pizza!”
The Cute Baby Sibling. This little one points excitedly at the pictures in the story book, jabbers adorably, and makes everyone smile.
The Eclectic Dresser. This is the kid who frequently wears princess dresses, super hero capes, or pajamas.
The Tantrum Thrower. This kid runs around the room and refuses to sit, and she throws a screaming tantrum when mom tries to get her to settle. The battle-weary mom usually hauls this kid out to the hallway at some point.
The Distracted Mom. She reads a book or looks at her phone or laptop while her kid does everything but sit and listen to the stories.
The Mom BFFs. These women carry on involved conversations on the sidelines while the librarian is reading.
The Funky Mom. She has pink highlights in her hair and/or a nose ring.
The Big Stroller Mom. She walks in with a gaggle of kids and a stroller that can carry them all.
The Clique Moms. They don’t talk to any moms they don’t know.
The Friendly Moms. These are the women you chat with during the after-stories craft time, befriend on Facebook, and schedule play dates with. They are treasures.
The Lone Dad. The stay-at-home dad whom we all admire for his involvement in his kids’ lives, but in this majority-mom setting he often exists on the social periphery.
The Involved Grandparents. These sweet people show up every week with their grandkids in tow.
Do these personalities regularly attend library story time ? Do you or your kids fit any of the personalities described above, or do you see these personalities at your local library story time?
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While you’re here, you may enjoy these other posts:
Library Love: Beginnings and Endings at Story Time
Frugal Friday: Getting By On One Income
Time Reclaimed: What My Daughter and I Learned On Our Own
Category: Family Free TimeTags: library
