My friend and her baby usually go, but her baby is sick, so I'm going alone. I'm so nervous! I'm so awkward at first! I never know how to approach people. I'm feeling nauseous.
I understand your anxiety. I hate going to our story hour group alone. I try to just smile and hope someone will start a conversation with me. I'm fine if someone does that. I get pretty nervous about approaching new people, too.
The teachers help a lot. If there is someone new to the group they will usually have everyone give their name and baby name and age. Also, maybe Jamie will crawl over to another baby and conversation will arise naturally. I'm socially awkward too and everyone in the classes I've been to are super nice.
I would be nervous too, but it's way better going without your friend. That way other people will be less nervous to approach you!
Just remember, babies are your common ground so you always have something to talk about. Plus, the structure of the class will take most of the pressure off.
Have fun and know that everyone is there to make friends and play with their babies!!
Post by creamsiclechica on Mar 14, 2013 12:54:47 GMT -5
I know it can be so nerve wracking, but I think you'll do great! J is so adorable, that alone is enough to make me approach another mom. But I know how you feel. We went to the library this morning for the baby and me for the first time. I was scared, because we've been going to family story time, and not a soul talked to me and A. Today was different! Lots of moms talked to me, and I even found one with a little boy about a month apart from A and we're going to try and meet up at the library play area once a week to see how things go.
Ruby's advice seems spot on. I hope you end up having a great time. Lucky is the mom who gets to hang out with you and J, rjamz!
Seriously, I feel the same way all the time. I try to hide the fact that I'm totally nervous by talking to the kid first, and then asking the mom how old,ect. and doing a lot of oohing and aahing. I can genuinely do this because all babies are adorable and winsome, and take compliments exceptionally well . Hopefully after a few back and forth questions about the kids with the mom we have actually started a conversation. If things get awkward, I can usually count on A doing something that needs my attention.
Come to think of it, starting conversations with strangers with a baby attached to you is a ton easier than trying without one.
You are going to do great. And if you don't like it, you never have to see those people again!
Post by thedahliharpa on Mar 14, 2013 15:27:13 GMT -5
I understand. I like going with a friend too. If it helps there has only been one snotty mom I have wanted to cut, as we say around here, at any kid class things. I hope it went well.
It went really well! We just got back. Thanks for all of your encouragement - it made sure I didn't come up with an excuse not to go. There were maybe 10 kids there, mostly 18 months or so. There were a bunch of nannies and grandparents. There was 1 8.5 month old girl who was adorable and she and Jamie mauled each other trying to snuggle, it was so so cute. I'm gonna sign up for next week!