Thinking of taking them to Toddler Time at the library...

I'm probably going to take my twins (15 mos) to Toddler Time at the library today while my older DS is at preschool. It sounded great last night and even this morning, but as it gets closer - I'm getting scared, lol!

Any tips for making it as easy and as fun as possible? We go out to the park and stores, etc. all of the time - but I've not taken them to a "structured" activity like this before.....

Thanks!

 

It's really fun. There's nothing to worry about, really. All of the kids are doing the same thing so it's not like you're taking 15 month olds to a tea party or something.

Go and have fun!

 

My girls have been doing music class since 10mo and we have done storytime at the library as well, they did a lot better than I expected. You'll all do fine!!

Good luck!

 

I have been taking my boys sense they were very small. The problem I have is keeping them sitting down during the story time (which is only about 15-20 min.) I keep them in the stroller and sit next to them. I feel really bad most of the time b/c all the other parents get to hold their chilrden, but this is the ONLY way it works for me! If I let them out them just feed off each other and get all wild and crazy running around and getting into everything. I let them out after for playtime with the other kids.

 

We have not done toddler time at the library yet (our library doesn't have it), I just wanted to wish you a lot of luck!

 

I used to teach an infant storytime (6months-2yrs) and I take my boys when I can to the local one here. The thing you need to make sure you understand is that it's OKAY for them to get up and move around. They don't have to sit in your lap the entire time (even if other peoples kids do). The reason libraries have this type of storytime is to begin getting kids excited about reading. If your child is going up to the book and pointing at pictures, that's GREAT! The storyteller may move the book higher, but that is just so the other kids can see the pictures too, not b/c your child shouldn't be touching the book. Our storytime does the same songs we sing at home, but my kids won't sing or do the movements at the library like they do at home. They just clap at the end. This is normal! Okay, GO and have fun!! You'll learn more songs and the kids will love doing something new and different.

 

My advice is to remember that every mom there has kids, so they'll all understand if one of your kids cries or you have your hands full. At the storytime I've been to, the kids run all over the place and only pay attention a small fraction of the time. So just let your kids go and have fun with them! Don't contain them to the stroller or your lap just because you don't want to disrupt the activity. You're supposed to!

 

Thanks, Everyone! You've given me more courage! :lol:

I'll let you know how it goes when we get back!

 

Funny you post this! I plan on checking out storytime today at my library! I dropped in to one a few weeks back and it looks great! They do stories, have playtime, and do puppetshows. Let us know how it goes!

 

Well, I goofed! It is TOMORROW. So, I'll be taking all 3 tomorrow. I'm actually pretty excited about it! Thanks for advice and well-wishes!

 

Best advice:

Go for as long as they are enjoying it & it is working. When that time is done (& it can/will change each time), just leave.

It is not a victory to stay the whole time. They will learn to enjoy it and before you know it they will want to stay the whole time.

 

We go every week and it is great fun! The kids seem to not want to show their crazy side around all of those other people so they are actually quite manageable. Jack is shy so he sits on my lap the entire time just happy to be held and that leaves my eyes and one arm free to keep Lily in order! I hope you find it as enjoyable as we do!

 

Gl tomorrow! Let us know how it goes!

 

We've been going for two months. My kids are really shy so they sat on my lap and just watched until last week. Other kids were moving around and stealing the puppets and doing whatever. The librarian shouldn't mind if the kids move around or be excited or whatever. Our librarian does a lot of songs with hand movements, reads one short book and then does dancing, so there is a lot of time to be active. She also does all the songs twice, so I could do the first time with one child and the second with the other. I thought it was a great experience. It was so fun to see them start to get involved and get over some of their shyness. I was so excited when DS went and stole a puppet! The other mothers definitely understand. They're impressed that you have two. Hope it goes well.