I used to observe new mothers in the grocery store. Many seemed so tired, so overwhelmed. That would not be me, Id vow. Armed with a years of experience working with children, first as a babysitter, then as an education student, and finally as an elementary school teacher, I felt I had the skills necessary to soar through new parenthood unscathed, a beautifully clothed, happy baby at my side.

My eight-pound reality check arrived nine months later. And while there were parts of raising a child I was prepared for, many aspects--the complete and utter exhaustion, the loneliness and isolation of raising a child, particularly in a rural area--shocked me. I wore my pajamas for days on end; my new boss didn't seem to care, and none of my pre-baby clothes fit anyway. I looked every bit as exhausted as any new mother I had ever seen. Motherhood was more difficult and demanding than I could ever have imagined.

When a friend invited me to attend storytime at the local Whitman County Library branch, I didn't have great expectations. Still the programs had the dual lures of being free and nearby, which was enough to convince me to give them a shot. What I found at storytime wasn't just books, songs and crafts for my daughter. I found a time when I could talk to other moms. I found a break from the sometimes-monotonous job of raising children. I might have felt isolated much of the time, but on Thursday mornings I could count on being among friends.

Two years after my first storytime experience, my daughter is now a rambunctious toddler and big sister to a new baby boy and I am now the librarian in that very same Whitman County Library branch. Ironically, the library where I first found the companionship of other parents is now the place where I give other parents that same well-deserved rest and support.

At the library, we often highlight our storytime programs as great opportunities for children to learn new ideas and become prepared for the rigors of school and life. They are. But library programs are also times for adults, the moms, dads, daycare providers, grandmas and grandpas who dedicate their days (and nights) to helping children, to connect with each other. Any difficult journey can be helped along with a good book and a good visit.

 

For more information, contact:

Kristie Kirkpatrick at 509-397-4366 or see the Whitman County Library website or the library's new events calendar.