I’m not a Mummy Blogger but…



So I don’t really consider myself a ‘mummy blogger’, just because I am a mum and I blog doesn’t automatically put me in that category does it? (Not that there is anything wrong with being a mummy blogger…) I just I don’t really know where my blog fits into the whole scheme of things, craft/lifestyle/personal blog perhaps?

Generally I steer clear of giving opinions on parenting etc… because everyone lives there life differently so who am I to say what’s what, but today I feel the need to share an experience with you and get some advice.

This morning I took Emma to a music class for toddlers, you know the ones that I mean, sit in a circle, clap and sing, then everyone gets a turn at an instrument…it was a trial class to see if we liked it before paying hundreds of dollars in enrollment fees.

Emma liked it, and apart from it being a little bit more structured from what she is used to, she had a relatively good time. I on the other hand, was bored out of my brain!

The thought of me having to sit through and participate in the class week after week, and sing the same songs (because the kids love routine and structure), makes me shudder.

So here are my questions…

Is it unreasonable of me to expect to be entertained by these kids activities that we parents are obliged to attend, especially when one is paying $20ish per class?

Does this make me a ‘bad mum’? God knows I sit through enough tea parties and wiggles CD’s to score me a few good mummy brownie points.

Should I just ‘suck it up’ and resign myself to the fact that this is how it’s going to be forever, or should I save myself the $$ and do something we both enjoy?

All opinions are welcome…

www.mypoppet.com.au

21 Comments

  • Michelle @ RockMYRoll says:

    Find a play group…no commitment, no money and you get to sing songs and do other stuff.
    I agree on the mummy blogging thing…i don't want to be “that” either…but sometimes i blog about my kiddy and i think that's ok…i don't believe life is about defining yourself or your blog…that means you have to stick to something…and that's just not me, too much hard work sticking to it ha ha.
    Mxo

  • Jodie says:

    I definitely think that with toddler activities you need to find something that you both enjoy… play group, kinder gym, swimming class, whatever, but it shouldn't feel like a chore to you. Even young children are remarkably adept at picking up when our hearts are just not in it. I totally agree that numerous tea parties and The Wiggles earns you enough good mummy points 🙂

    Should you just “suck it up”? No way with a toddler activity. There will be enough “sucking it up” when they are older and you are standing in the cold and wet at 8.00am on a Saturday watching the umpteenth game of soccer, football, netball or whatever your child has fallen in love with or sewing ten thousand sequins on a tutu at 11.00 pm. Then as a mum you do “suck it up” because it is what your child has fallen in love with and chosen. Until then I would enjoy the freedom to find something you both love 🙂

  • Shannon says:

    DONT DO IT!!! I took sadie out of a dance class because I couldnt play like a tree or keep a straight face at all the mums who were so into it.

    I go to reading time at the the library, book – songs – colouring in activity – home. Its free, inoffensive and I feel as though Im giving ABC ids a break. Our library also does 'stompin time' a free dance/song thing. Check your local library. Save yourself!!

  • Cath says:

    Yep I'd be inclined to look elsewhere…or maybe grandma/nanna could take her?!
    Playgroups are good because you can do a variety of toddler things – if you can find a fairly relaxed one that allows the kids to move through the activities at their own pace that'd be better for both of you. I agree with Jodie about the years ahead when they have more of a voice about their hobbies – for now you can make the decision and she wont know any different!
    Storytime at the library might be another option – its free and you dont have to commit to going weekly and at least you can mix the visit with browsing some books/magazines for yourself!

  • Melinda says:

    That is crazy money for a preschool music group!!!!!! I went to one at our local church that was free and didn't have any religous angle (we're not believers). Even that was tedious and my daughter got bored of it after about 3-4 weeks (thank goodness). There's no shame in admitting that singing and dancing over-enthusiasticly aren't your thing. Parent participation is always expected at music group so I'd look elsewhere for something you will enjoy. I always found storytime at the library fairly enjoyable.

  • Estelle says:

    I did one with Ada just before Freddy was born, we weren't invited back the following term because the other parents found her too disruptive (she liked to sing and dance out of turn). In the end Im glad because all it was really teaching her was to tow the social line, and that malarky don't roll in this house. Em's is already quite musical, and she would do structured music at creche, I say crank up the stereo, put on your fancy pants and just let loose at home. Otherwise, we could start our own playgroup…? I've been looking to join one with Freddy, bunch of cool mums with feral kids hanging out and having fun, just an idea.

  • Milkwood Design says:

    I 2nd Shannon – go the library – it is better than music class, as there is no instruments, so no fight over who gets what (and no cymbals! Yay!). And you don't get the guilts if you don't go if you are having a bad day / someone is sick. Our council has 1-3 year old singing ones, and 3-5 ones that are more story-time.

  • Stella says:

    I can totally relate! Maybe it's not exactly the same, but I've been getting mega guilt trips to take my toddler to playgroups and playcentre – for her sake, and so that I can meet other mums. On one hand I can see where people are coming from, but the few times we've been to playgroups I've been bored out of my brain and exhausted by the intensity of being in a room full of toddlers and their parents.

    I take my daughter to library story time, it's gentle, they sing songs and have stories, and most importantly it only lasts an hour! Other than that we do lots of fun stuff at home, or when we catch up with friends… I reckon go with your gut, I am!

  • littlebetty says:

    I wouldn't do it. My time is precious and I don't want to waste it in such an un enjoyable fashion. Maybe try to find something else she'll enjoy?

  • little love says:

    Hmmm, it's hard when your kid seems to enjoy it & you don't! Does your local libray run story time? Ours does & they usually read a couple of books, sing songs & then do an art activity related to the themes of the books. And it's free(yeah, yeah, I'm a tightarse!). The thing is, withkid activities you don't want to go somewhere you hate! You'll resent it & your kiddie will know!

    And I'm with you on the mummy blogger thing. Friggin hell, what's with all of these people & the pigeon holes they wantto stuff everyone into! 🙂

    xx

  • Posie Patchwork says:

    Oh save your money, ditto for those 'swimming lessons' where it's really just water familiarity & you can do it yourself. I only paid for lessons when the children were school age, able to follow the instructions on stroke & swim confidently (which would have been fine at 3 as they were great swimmers from tiny children as they were born in the tropics). Save your money, do it yourself & you'll love that you don't have to go/ find parking/ juggle weather/ want to beat yourself with a tambourine!! Actually it's like ballet for any child under 5, waste of time, it's to soothe the minds of mothers who don't know how to do it themselves or are trying to keep up with someone else?? Oh, want an opinion on parenting, i'll give you one. Quality time with your child is not the time spent in front of others, enough said, go start your own rock band with pots & pans & ice cream containers, like our mums did & they saved themeselves a fortune!! Love Posie

  • daisy says:

    i agree with so much being said already.i reckon any costly activities for pre schoolers is a waste, so much you can do yourself, keep it simple, keep it cheap. I am also another one who is a fan of storytime at the library – we (my 4 y.o and almost 2 y.o) go religiously. i figure when they are older is when it will be more important for all those costly sports/dance/music classes etc (if thats what they want to do of course!) so for now we totally DIY all our fun. it's hard to NOT feel guilty that keeping it simple IS enough for that age when they are taking an interest in things but not old enough for kinder to fill up the week and as a caring engaging parent you do get sick of tea parties and the wiggles then feel crap for plonking them in front of a dvd so you can run away for a minute! i also think they need to learn from a young age not every minute of the day is about them being perfectly amused and they need to see mum has other stuff to go/get done and can learn something from that too. mothers guilt…damned if you do, damned if you dont!

  • Miss Cinti - my poppet says:

    Thanks for all your comments, glad you all feel the same way. We do lots of fun stuff at home and Emma goes to creche twice a weeks so she gets plenty of stimulation. Shame these classes don't provide more stimulation for parents too.

    Story time at our library is great too, Emma is always the one up the front dancing, something that wasn't encouraged at this particular class either. We'll save our money and go out for milk shakes 🙂

  • alimc says:

    Check out artplay. Highly recommend. I feel concerned that we are so desperate to introduce structure so early in kds lives. They have years of it ahead. We all need to chill and visit the local park.

  • jody says:

    I agree with what everyone else has said.. i have never done any of those class type things and i think my kids are fine without them.
    You should go to the prahran market on thursday mornings they have this ace mexican guy that sings and plays music, there is instruments for the kids to play too. best of all its free! my kids love it! have you been?
    x

  • lynny says:

    enjoy the preschool years together, she will get so many structured activities at school for years. The day you shared in Melb on the tram and NGV sounds more fun than high cost music sessions.
    I've just discovered your blog and have read every entry, thank you. I'm a nanna now but now make/craft for my grandkids instead of my own. Great to read your creative stories

  • pipelette says:

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  • Posie Patchwork says:

    Just did a blog post about all the lovelies i picked up from your Shop, thanks honey, love Posie

  • Corrie says:

    I've never been into those kind of classes! I know mothers group with the twins were into those kinds of things but I always too busy. Keira did ballet for a few years but it was only $90 a term and now she's 5 she does gymnastics instead and swimming on a saturday. I couldn't bring myself to do them and the more kids you have the less you need things like that because there is always someone here to play and do things with! We did playgroup too which was $2 a family a week and the kids loved it and the ladies were all lovely stay at home mums and grandma's. So glad we did playgroup and once you find the right one you'll love it!
    oh and the first time I was called a mummy blogger I was like 'no, I'm a craft blogger thank you very much'. Now I say I'm craft and mummy blogger:)

    Corrie:)

  • Hera says:

    NO WAY! That's ridiculous to pay that! My daughter is in Homebased care and they go to Mainly Music at no cost at all! $20 an hour? That's ridiculous! That's around how much I pay for Daughter to be in care for the day! I reckon find something you both enjoy!

  • Flavia | Petit Eco KIDS says:

    I say save the $$ and do something you both have fun with!
    I am going through a similar thing with ballet classes. My daughter REALLY wanted to go but now that classes started (at 9:30 on a Saturday!) she's not really that into it and I am not going to insist just because it's cute…
    So, I think it's out with the ballet and in with long lazy breakfast and a bike ride or something. Cheaper and more fun!

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