Mothers talking during story time at library

[Anonymous]

Why? Story time at our library is only 35 minutes long and our public library has many places (like the playroom, an adjacent coffee shop, lovely outdoor space) where mothers can talk to each other. I have no clue why some mothers are so rude and disruptive that they feel the need to talk to each other while the poor librarian is trying to read a story to their children. It is beyond irritating for me and my child and such poor modeling for their children.

Please shut up for 35 minutes and pretend that you are interested in books and sharing this time with your kid.

[Anonymous]

When I see this it's usually nannies.

[Anonymous]

Maybe they're sharing the other 23 hours and 25 minutes of the day with their kid, and are enjoying taking 35 minutes to catch up with a friend while their child is occupied with something else. Granted, they should be talking quietly so they're not disruptive to others, but can we please not perpetuate this damaging myth that anytime a mother takes a little time away from her child for herself, she's doing something wrong?

If they're talking too loudly for you to hear the story, perhaps you could mention it to the librarian before the start of story time next time and ask if she'd give parents a gentle reminder to talk quietly so others can enjoy the story.

[Anonymous]

My kid is older now but I remember this. It was always so annoying!

[Anonymous]

I agree 100%, OP. So rude and annoying!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe they're sharing the other 23 hours and 25 minutes of the day with their kid, and are enjoying taking 35 minutes to catch up with a friend while their child is occupied with something else. Granted, they should be talking quietly so they're not disruptive to others, but can we please not perpetuate this damaging myth that anytime a mother takes a little time away from her child for herself, she's doing something wrong?

If they're talking too loudly for you to hear the story, perhaps you could mention it to the librarian before the start of story time next time and ask if she'd give parents a gentle reminder to talk quietly so others can enjoy the story.

Why not catch up with your friend outside the storytime room?! Come on - these mothers ARE doing something wrong! For 35 minutes they should be modeling good group/class behavior to their child.

[Anonymous]

I hate it when mothers do this during Music Together class too - so rude and disrespectful. And beyond irritating.

Entitled bunch.

[Anonymous]

Ha! These are probably the same moms who are later talking during the school orientation, class presentations, and finally graduation! They are rude and self centered. There is no excuse. Occasionally a teacher will shame them and it is awesome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe they're sharing the other 23 hours and 25 minutes of the day with their kid, and are enjoying taking 35 minutes to catch up with a friend while their child is occupied with something else. Granted, they should be talking quietly so they're not disruptive to others, but can we please not perpetuate this damaging myth that anytime a mother takes a little time away from her child for herself, she's doing something wrong?

If they're talking too loudly for you to hear the story, perhaps you could mention it to the librarian before the start of story time next time and ask if she'd give parents a gentle reminder to talk quietly so others can enjoy the story.

No. You're just rude. I, too, SAH with my kids. It doesn't give me an excuse to go be a jerk and a bad role model.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe they're sharing the other 23 hours and 25 minutes of the day with their kid, and are enjoying taking 35 minutes to catch up with a friend while their child is occupied with something else. Granted, they should be talking quietly so they're not disruptive to others, but can we please not perpetuate this damaging myth that anytime a mother takes a little time away from her child for herself, she's doing something wrong?

If they're talking too loudly for you to hear the story, perhaps you could mention it to the librarian before the start of story time next time and ask if she'd give parents a gentle reminder to talk quietly so others can enjoy the story.

No. You're just rude. I, too, SAH with my kids. It doesn't give me an excuse to go be a jerk and a bad role model.

+1,000,000 Here is what is not a "myth" - you are rude and self-centered. If you cannot find any other time to take time away from your child for yourself then you are doing something very wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hate it when mothers do this during Music Together class too - so rude and disrespectful. And beyond irritating.

Entitled bunch.

Ugh! I was going to say the same thing! At our regular music together class the parents/nannies respect the class. IN the few make up sessions I had to do the teacher of the class had to stop and ask parents not to talk while the class was going on. So glad that she made the attempt to teach these people manners...not that it did any good though. Entitled people will always believe the rules don't apply to them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hate it when mothers do this during Music Together class too - so rude and disrespectful. And beyond irritating.

Entitled bunch.

Ugh! I was going to say the same thing! At our regular music together class the parents/nannies respect the class. IN the few make up sessions I had to do the teacher of the class had to stop and ask parents not to talk while the class was going on. So glad that she made the attempt to teach these people manners...not that it did any good though. Entitled people will always believe the rules don't apply to them.

This happened in a class I took my kids to, one week the librarian gave a reminder at the start of class to be courteous and quiet , and even suggested the lounge area outside of the group room for chatting.

Well two moms didn't think the announcement applied to them and started their usual chatter. The teacher stopped mid story and called them out by name and asked them to please excuse themselves to the lounge.

It gave me so much life to see two snowflakes turn read. Never had a talking problem in that class a gain.


For a few years the moms and I ran in the same playgroup circles and I had to hear stories of the stuckup playgroup leader who didn't know what she was doing.

[Anonymous]

It's rude. Period. But don't act like you don't know why they're doing it. Kids are engaged in activity and they can chat away. If they were in a coffee shop, they'd have to watch their own kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe they're sharing the other 23 hours and 25 minutes of the day with their kid, and are enjoying taking 35 minutes to catch up with a friend while their child is occupied with something else. Granted, they should be talking quietly so they're not disruptive to others, but can we please not perpetuate this damaging myth that anytime a mother takes a little time away from her child for herself, she's doing something wrong?

If they're talking too loudly for you to hear the story, perhaps you could mention it to the librarian before the start of story time next time and ask if she'd give parents a gentle reminder to talk quietly so others can enjoy the story.

No. You're just rude. I, too, SAH with my kids. It doesn't give me an excuse to go be a jerk and a bad role model.

+1,000,000 Here is what is not a "myth" - you are rude and self-centered. If you cannot find any other time to take time away from your child for yourself then you are doing something very wrong.

Agree with this. Also, it's not just about the child. Some story times are better than others, but in most cases the children's librarian has taken the time to thoughtfully select appropriate books to read and sometimes plan activities (songs, felt boards, etc). This is his/her job. It's rude to interrupt and sets a bad example.

[Anonymous]

Yep, it's rude. But it happens and rude people are everywhere. Talk to the librarian if you are so concerned.

The librarian who leads our regular story time starts off each session with requests that parents not do a lot of side chit-chat, get off their phones, take out-of-control children (usually younger siblings) from the room until they're calm, and participate in the songs and action rhymes. He wants parents to "lead by example". He's annoying, but effective. The kids all love him though.