Singing for the reluctant mother - A review of Tippee Toes

Having a baby is all about getting over hurdles and one of mine was singing baby songs in public. I just could not envision myself at a mother and baby group singing about stars and bobbins.

However, seeing the Boy’s glee as his father and I sang to him (largely, for some reason Kenny Rogers’ ‘The Gambler’), I realised that not going to such groups probably meant I was denying him something he would love.

So I bit the bullet and reluctantly went to a Tippee Toes class at The Dish and Spoon cafe in Nunhead.

And actually, it was fun. The class started with a welcome song aimed at each baby in the group and the Boy seemed astonished and thrilled as everyone sang his name to him. A variety of baby songs were sung, with movements and props, including the monkey who comes round for a hug, and maracas, which went straight in the mouth, of course. And Boy was open-mouthed and wide-eyed with excitement and pleasure all the way through. The leader of the class was welcoming, enthusiastic but not overbearing and it was clear that older baby-regulars adored her.

It was lovely for me too. I was initially cynical about how much babies gain from their mothers sitting around singing and jiggling them about but actually, I think there is a lot to gain, and not only for the babies. Singing songs that you remember from when you were small yourself gives you a sort of connection to your past and to your own mother, and, I felt at least, it also made me feel more secure in my own position as a mother. There is something reassuring in the idea that you are repeating the words and songs and actions that countless other mothers have before you. Somehow it gave me the sense that I was part of a longer tradition, and that was a good enough feeling to over-ride my default sense of embarrassment.

Tippee Toes runs classes around South East London. Check for locations on: http://www.tippeetoes.co.uk/TippeeMusicClasses.html

The class I attended was at the Dish and the Spoon in Nunhead:
http://www.thedishandthespoon.co.uk/

Transport: 484, 363, and 343.

.....................................................................................................................

Want to know more about singing sessions in the Lambeth area and beyond? Read the following:

•  A review of Bee's Baby Bop
•  A review of Ruby Rhymes

Bea's Baby Bop at the Florence Pub in Herne Hill

The other Friday, I decided to take Boo-boo to try out Bea's Baby Bop at the Florence Pub in Herne Hill. At 6 months, she is so much more aware of her surroundings so I thought she would appreciate some songs, music and dancing. Bea runs two session at the Florence on a Friday and we arrived for the 11 o'clock class. For those who haven't been to the Florence Pub,  it is really geared up for people with children so has a kids menu and a large play room at the back which is an ideal setting for a small class.

There were about ten little ones, mostly under a year old, who had bought along a parent or carer. The class opened with a song saying hello to all of the babies. I found it lovely that Bea sang hello to each of the children individually by name. In fact I like this song so much that when I finally remembered the tune, I haven't been able to get it out of my head. I am now singing hello to all the objects in the house!

After the opening song, it was mixture of singing, doing songs with actions, rattling instruments and dancing. It finished with a goodbye song to everyone and to each individual child.

The session lasted an hour and was very entertaining. I enjoyed meeting other mums. Boo-boo enjoyed noming all of the instrument.

Classes are held at the following times at the Florence Pub:

Wednesday 11am
Friday 10am -11 am
Friday 11am -12am

They are suitable for children from 6 months to 3 years.

The address of the Florence pub is 131-133 Dulwich Road, Herne Hill, SE24 0NG

Buses to the Florence are the 3, 196, 322, 37 and 68.

Please contact Bea on beasbabybop@gmail.com or http://www.facebook.com/beasbabybop for more information.

Singing the rain away at Pram Chorus

Last Tuesday Milo and I headed to Pram Chorus. If you're tired of singing The Wheels on The Bus then this is the group for you! Mummies sing while the babies play (in theory) or even join in! Ruth, who runs Pram Chorus was very warm and welcoming and instantly put us at ease with some fun and slightly comedic yet certainly necessary warm up exercises before we began singing a few tunes. Admittedly I do tend to sing Wind The Bobbin Up at least 5 times a day (at the bus stop, during nappy changing as well as regularly marching through Brockwell Park) but I haven't really had a chance to do what I would call 'proper' singing so it was great to have a go. We sang a fab tune from the 'deep south' and had a wonderful choice of other tunes from Zulu to Rock'n'Roll ! There are still places on the regular Tuesday morning session (best for afternoon nappers and for a hearty, rousing start to a grey day!), there's also a Thursday afternoon session but at the moment it's full. It's all happening in Streatham - a little off the beaten track for me but definitely worth the effort! Contact ruth@PramChorus.com for further info!

Ruby Rhymes rocks!

Last Tuesday we checked out Ruby Rhymes.

From the minute Ruby starts her Tingaling welcome song you can't help smiling and swaying and my friend's little one danced about for the whole session. The group was big when we went which could be overwhelming for little ones but this just highlights how fun and popular this group is.

The Brixton sessions are £5 per family and £3 for unwaged families. and at 10.30am on Tuesdays so they do coincide with Brixton library storytime but the best things are the space, funky catchy tunes and Ruby's enthusiasm. I was also impressed how she remembered so many of the kids' names too. I'll be reviewing Ruby's CD soon which I'm sure we'll be bopping along to as soon as we press play!

There are many Ruby Rhymes sessions across Lambeth.  They all start at 10.30am and last 50 minutes, including an organic juice and rice cake/biccy break.

No enrolment, just turn up and join in!

Monday: Herne Hill United Church, corner of RedPost Hill and Herne Hill, SE24

Tuesday: Trinity Congregational Church, St Matthews Road, Brixton SW2 Small church situated halfway along St Matthews Road, directly opposite Tenants hall. Entrance is on left side of church.

Wednesday: Clapham Youth Centre, 61 Lyham Road, Brixton SW2 5DH (corner of Mauleverer Rd)

Thursdays: Streatham Friends Meeting House,11 Redlands Way, Roupell Estate. Brixton Hill, SW2 3LU.  

Friday: The Brix at St Matthews, St Matthew's Church, Brixton hill, SW2 1JF.

Email: rubyrhymes@gmail.com for further information.