So it couldn't last forever, me not having a calling. Yesterday they called Brent's aunt, Wendy, and me to be the nursery leaders. I was not so happy at first. Maybe that is everyone's first reaction at being put in the nursery. Especially when your own kid is in there. I figured I'd give it a try and see how it goes. I came home and read up on nursery, how its supposed to run and stuff like that. I think it has potential to be fun. I also read some articles about people with the same feelings I had. I felt much better. They survived and so shall we, right-Wendy?!
So here is my plea for help. If you have served in nursery before (and even if you haven't) what are some things that have worked, what doesn't work, etc. Please share your ideas...what do you think would work? Anything. I want to make this the best nursery in the...well, the ward!
Wish us luck. It should be an adventure!
8 comments:
I totally understand. I was called to serve in the nursery when both Hannah and Casey were in there and we had 15 other kids in there too with only 3 of us leaders. All I can say is make sure you get plenty of sleep on Saturday nights! I remember being so worn out by the time church was over. Also, know that even if they don't seem to understand or listen...they can learn things in nursery. Big hits were playdough, bubbles, fruitloop necklaces, and anything that makes noise!
i am nursery right now and I love it. i am exhausted when we are done but the kids crack me up. Caleb and Hunter don't even really know that I am in there. bubbles are a huge hit and we play quiet music the whole time to keep them just a touch calmer:) Good luck, they will make you laugh.
I know how you feel! I was called to be in the nursery when I was 6 months pregnant with Mariah (and Micah had just turned 18 months!!) I was not so happy at first, but I was glad that I was in there, becuase Micah was the youngest by at least 6 months, and so I was glad that I could kind of keep an eye on him. He did great, though. The only thing that I wasn't excited about, is that when they had called me, there were 4 others, and they released them all! So, I was the only one in there, with about 8 kids. It was like that for the first two months, until they called somebody to help me out. I really did miss it, though, after Mariah was born, and I was released. Like those above had said, bubbles are a really big hit with all the kids, no matter what their age!!
You know the church just came out in the last month with a nursery manual. You can see it on the church website lds.org Check it out. Each calling comes with it's challenges and rewards. This will be no different. I was nursery leader when Dale was 18 months and I was pregnant with Dane. Times have changed but little ones haven't. You'll wind up loving it. Good luck
I always thought that I wouldn't want to serve in Nursery if my own kids were in there. Rohne had such a hard time at first, that I felt like they should have just called me anyways. The only thing I can say, is to make sure that parents do not bring their kids in sick. It makes me really mad. And, always wash/sanitize their hands before they eat their snack. And, make sure you sanitize the toys once in awhile too.
you have a very positive attitude. that is good. i can't say that i would be as positive if i were you.
i wish i had some advice to give you but i don't. my mom-in-law is the nursery leader and LOVES it. maybe i should ask her and get back to you...
good luck! i think you'll do great!
It is work and sometimes the little ones do not want to be there but most of the time they do. I was called in the nursery when Bryan was about 2. We had a hard time getting him to go in there but he didn't seem to mind that I was there and then we moved so I wasn't in there for very long. The church just put out a new manuel for the nursery and I kind of skimmed through it at church one day. It looks really good. Hang in there it will be a lot of fun. I have been in there many times to substitute and I have a lot of fun.
Aunt Jeraldean
As a former prim pres (as you were) I had a hard time calling mothers with nursery-aged children. I avoided it at all costs because I just didn't think it was fair, and I knew that if I had been called to that calling when my kids were little it would have been super hard.
Having said that, I think nursery can be one of the hardest/most rewarding callings in the church. I have watched successful nursery leaders and they are the happiest people I know.
My biggest advice. Have a schedule/structure. As you know from being a mom, kids crave it. Have an opening activity that you do every single week to get them in the groove.
I hear the new manual is pretty great, I'm sure you will get some great ideas. And, I'm sure you will be a great nursery leader. Rock on Sista! I have no doubt that this will be a very fulfilling calling for you. As I have said for years, if the Savior were to come to visit our ward, he would go straight for the nursery first.
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