Take Them Back!

Today I read an adorable story to a couple of kindergarten classes. It's called Darcy and Gran Don't Like Babies, and the point I make is that it helps to talk to someone you trust when you have a problem. Darcy, the main character, is disgusted with her new baby brother, and she doesn't hesitate to announce this fact to everyone she sees. "I don't like the new baby," she attests to her mom, her dad, a neighbor, and the doctor. Each of these characters tries to convince her that she really does like the baby, and this annoys Darcy. She wants someone to listen and UNDERSTAND! Finally she finds an ally when she talks to her gran. Gran says matter-of-factly, "Neither do I. Never did like babies." Darcy and Gran go on to list the things they dislike: Babies can be smelly, they cry a lot, and they get all the attention. Then the two allies go on an adventure to the park, where babies aren't in their way on the jungle gym, swing, see-saw, or slide. Of course Darcy's mood mellows at the end of the story, in large part because she's been listened to and supported in her feelings about this new addition to the family. Well the kindergartners laughed all throughout the book, as it really was funny. At one point a little girl with long blond hair raised her hand and said, "I know just what she means. My baby has bad smells, too." A minute later she commented, "Yea, my baby gets all the attention, too," and she nodded her head with empathy for Darcy. Looking around the classroom, I noticed lots of bobbing heads and expressions ranging from wistful to grossed out. Judging from the way the children related to this story, it appears that our kindergarten families have had a bumper crop of babies born lately!