I've never really been good with children. I've never had any of my own, and I wasn't particularly stellar as a babysitter when I was a teenager. But that doesn't discourage churches that I've attended from asking me to help out in the nursery.
You can read about one of my nursery experiences here.
There is a young single mom who attends our church's mid-week Bible study. Her four-year-old daughter, Holly, accompanies her. Holly would be bored to distraction in the adult Bible study, so each week two or three of the women have been taking turns staying with Holly in the nursery for the duration of the study.
When more volunteers were sought, I didn't raise my hand.
But, the next week, Holly herself asked me to go to the nursery with her. I figured, since she specifically asked me, I should give it a try.
We hadn't been in the nursery for more than a few minutes when Holly announced that she had to go to the bathroom. I told her okay but she would have to be quiet when we passed the room where the Bible study was going on.
As we passed that room, Holly gave a big wave and called out, "Hi, Mommy!" This was followed by another wave as we returned to the nursery.
A few minutes after our return to the nursery, Holly told me that she'd forgotten to poop when she went to the bathroom earlier and that she really had to do that. I told her I didn't believe her, but she insisted that she had to go.
I told her okay, but I'd better hear a plop, plop in the toilet.
Back down the hall we went. Another wave. Another "Hi, Mommy!"
Holly went into the stall, and I soon heard the plop, plop.
A little voice said, "Did you hear that?"
"Yes," I replied. "I'm sorry I didn't believe you."
"It's okay," came the reply. "I forgive you."
That little charmer could almost make a nursery worker out of me. But not quite.
oh, i can relate to this as it has been many years since i've babysat anyone. :) thanks for the laugh.
ReplyDeleteThis is good, you are the best and don't even know it
ReplyDeleteI love this story. You had a very direct and open communication with that little girl. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story.
ReplyDeleteHA HA HA ---pure agony IF I had to do it now!!!!!! I used to love kids and worked with them for many years. These days, I stay far AWAY as much as I can. I don't like the way kids disrespect adults these days --and seem to be able to call their own shots... Parents don't seem to have much control anymore... Good Luck the next time you have to work in the nursery.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
If I didn't know better,I would say Holly has you wrapped around her finger.That is a very cute story.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Tex. It's always fun to make you laugh.
ReplyDeleteWell, Steve, you're right about one thing...I certainly don't know it!
Thanks, Marcie. Direct and open is usually the best type of communication to have with anyone.
Glad you enjoyed it, George.
"Agony" is a good word for it, Betsy, for those of us who just aren't cut out for it. And what's that' about a "next time"?
Ruth - Holly has everyone wrapped around her finger. She's a little charmer.
Linda, I have to say you handled that situation well, and I totally enjoyed your deer-in-the-headlights account of it. I love my girls and have kept the grands numerous times, but I'm not a babysitter unless I want to be. It's okay to just say no if the inclination isn't there.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by...I'd been meaning to add you to my new reader so thanks for jogging my memory...er, what's left of it, anyways. Love your posts.
Thank you, Toni. And I liked your analogy of my "deer-in-the-headlights" approach to it. That's actually how I feel about it when asked to help in the nursery.
DeleteOh Dear...this is good. Thank you for sharing that one. Out of the mouths of babes. Aloha.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vicki. Glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteWhat a funny story Linda! Love the forgiving spirit from this precious little one!
ReplyDeleteThat tickled me, too, Diane. I was glad she couldn't see me smiling when she said it.
DeleteVery cute.. I want grandchildren! :)
ReplyDeleteI have to ask though. Since Holly pooped at church, did that make you exclaim "Hol(l)y Crap!"? ;)
Sorry.. couldn't resist. :)
Good luck with that grandchildren thing, Hilary. Sounds like you'll need a little help from your sons, though. :) As always, a clever play on words, my friend.
DeleteSuch a funny story, Linda. I'd say that none of us mothers would have dealt with the situation better. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Petra. I don't know how you mothers do it! You have my deepest respect.
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