Debbie turned the old record to the flip side once again, “This is fun, daddy, isn’t it?”
It was fun the first time we played the nursery rhyme record as we danced and sang to each song. The second time we danced and sang to each song was nice. The third time was fun as I watched Debbie dance and sing. By the fourth, fifth, sixth…
I sighed. How many times will the stars twinkle, Miss Muffet be frightened by a spider, or will Incy Wincy climb the water spout?
Smiling at little Debbie’s beaming face, “Yes, sweetheart. It’s fun.”
Ross's Writing Blog 
Taochild
February 21, 2012 at 11:16
Has the ring of experience! Can understand THAT frustration and I am not even a dad haha
Ross Mannell
February 21, 2012 at 11:23
Thank you for the comment.
Young children love repetition. It’s a way of learning as they listen over and over. Jaded by years, we can tire quickly but a child’s smile can remind us of the joy of discovery. 🙂
Kate
February 21, 2012 at 11:21
Aww, that’s lovely.
Ross Mannell
February 21, 2012 at 11:33
Thanks for the comment.
The innocence of young children can bring smiles to adults. 🙂
Sparks In Shadow
February 21, 2012 at 18:41
You took me back. I remember this sort of thing so well. I had to read the same book twice a night for about six months for my little darling.
Ross Mannell
February 21, 2012 at 18:50
Thanks for the comment.
For me, it was my nieces who, when little, were fascinated with the movie “Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang”. They’d watch it over and over and sing along giggling to each other. Their giggling and fun always brought smiles through yet again having to listen to the movie and its songs. 🙂
annahalford (@anhalf)
February 21, 2012 at 23:13
Charming- I remember listening to songs again and again (and again) without boring. Not sure if my parents felt the same way though!
Ross Mannell
February 22, 2012 at 08:27
Thanks for the comment.
As any teacher of small children knows, repetition is important to them. Sessions with people like Pie Corbett show the value of it in early learning. 🙂
Lisa Wields Words
February 22, 2012 at 00:08
Sweet and true and real. Plus I love the flipping of the record. Does anyone else feel nostalgia for flipping records over and worrying about scratches?
Ross Mannell
February 22, 2012 at 08:40
Thanks for the comment.
Is till have LPs and singles in my collection of music and well know the need to flip sides and hope there won’t be any scratch problems. 🙂
Jean Mishra
February 22, 2012 at 00:38
This sure brought back memories. Some of those songs are forever burned into my psyche but they sure to bring warm memories when they’re grown. Wonderfully done!
Ross Mannell
February 22, 2012 at 08:43
Thanks for the comment.
As parents suffer yet another repeat of The Wiggles or the like, they can take comfort in knowing one day their children may have young ones to help them know what it’s like. 🙂
Judee
February 22, 2012 at 23:36
Ah yes, been there, done that. Kids are untiring and relentless when they like something. And we cannot refulse when we watch their joy.
Ross Mannell
February 24, 2012 at 08:14
Thanks for the comment.
It’s the repetitiveness that helps children learn. Tiresome to us, it’s one of their key techniques. We suffer for children in our care. 🙂
Acidalia
February 24, 2012 at 00:18
Ha ha…. yes… I hear you 😉
Ross Mannell
February 24, 2012 at 08:15
Thanks for the comment.
Anyone with experience of young children knows the feeling. 🙂
Deirdre
February 24, 2012 at 07:58
The Wheels on the Bus started in my head as I read this terrific story. And my youngest is now 20! Captured that mixture of teeth gritting frustration and unstinting love beautifully.
Ross Mannell
February 24, 2012 at 08:19
Thanks for the comment.
When my younger brother, by five years, was growing I had to listen to his repetitive stage. I know The Wheels on the Bus. It was fun to be able to replay this for him when he spent time as a bus driver while he was setting up his business. 🙂
Pete McPhearson
February 25, 2012 at 04:42
hehe – I guess when you’re a kid things can be so awesome you need to hear them again and again and again and again 🙂
This is sweet 🙂
Ross Mannell
February 25, 2012 at 08:19
Thanks for the comment.
Young children are fascinated by new things in a way we have lost. 🙂
DancingInTheRain
February 26, 2012 at 08:19
Sweet…. (and sounds all too familiar)
Ross Mannell
February 29, 2012 at 17:30
Thanks for the comment.
With young children around, we all endure their need to keep repeating their favourite. 🙂