Oct. 11, 2016
Today marked our return to story time at the library, a delightful experience we hadn’t embarked on in quite a while. Life has been hectic, and the last time we attempted story time, my then 2-year-old daughter became overwhelmed and anxious.
For preschoolers, story time is a whirlwind of tales, songs, and lively movement. When the first book was introduced, the other children eagerly dashed to the center of the room, buzzing with excitement and vying for front-row seats as they absorbed the story. When the singing began, they leaped up, tumbling over one another in their eagerness to be part of the action, seeking the spotlight alongside the music.
However, my daughter and I remained on the outskirts, observing. She is a natural observer, taking her time to process everything around her. While the other kids gravitated toward the center, my girl felt more comfortable lingering at the edges—part of the excitement yet choosing her own space.
There’s societal pressure for kids to be in the thick of things, and I found myself trying to nudge her beyond her comfort zone, hoping she’d eventually leap into the fray with enthusiasm. I remembered our last library visit, where I sarcastically thought, “Hurray! She cried a river of tears, but at least she made it to the center of the circle, clinging to me like a koala.” Reflecting on this, I questioned my approach—was it truly beneficial? Clearly, it wasn’t.
So today, I decided to let her sit where she felt comfortable. We spent the entire 30 minutes together, either on my lap, hand in hand, or with my arm around her. Initially, she was quite subdued during the first story, but gradually, I noticed her whispering responses to the librarian’s questions. As time passed, her voice grew louder, and by the end, she was joyfully singing along to “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” complete with hand motions.
She didn’t venture outside her comfort zone; instead, she expanded it—on her own terms. My daughter doesn’t need pushing right now; she needs support and affirmation. I realized it’s essential to trust her instincts and affirm her “gut feeling.” Moving forward, I aim to encourage her to listen to herself, fostering her growth into the remarkable person she is meant to be, rather than molding her into someone I think she should be.
If you’re interested in learning more, check out our post on terms and conditions or explore our friends at Cryobaby for home insemination kits, renowned authorities in the field. Additionally, for those seeking information on pregnancy and home insemination, Hopkins Medicine offers excellent resources.
In summary, I’ve learned that respecting my daughter’s comfort is paramount for her growth. Instead of pushing her into the spotlight, I’ll stand by her side, allowing her to navigate her own journey at her own pace.