Zoe’s 12 Chosen ‘Parent and Toddler’ Poems
From Chapter 4 ‘Scrapbook’ Clueless Clarence
FIRST WORDS 'MAMA'
TODDLER
I’ve been watching you closely all this week
And realised you used your mouth to speak.
I’m older now and therefore not too young,
So, I cleared my throat and wobbled my tongue.
MOTHER
What was that “Mama” I’ve just heard you say?
Oh now, I’ve been so longing for this day,
And soon you won’t need to point any more,
Now that’ll be something well worth waiting for.
Copyright © 2013 written by Zoe Hunter and Leslie Roberts
FIRST STEPS
TODDLER
Mummy, I’m getting closer to you now,
And you’re using your legs somehow.
But I’m using my knees to come your way
Perhaps I could try what you do one day.
MOTHER
Oh, love, you’re coming towards me as I’m walking
I know you’re extremely good at all that crawling,
I do it by putting one leg in front of the other.
I think you want to try; we can have a go together.
Copyright © 2013 written by Zoe Hunter and Leslie Roberts
THE TV
MOTHER
Let’s just see what’s on the TV today,
I used to watch the programme Playaway.
Of course, it’s no longer on, but it was very good
Look, it’s Bob the Builder and he’s sawing wood.
TODDLER
Um, no, that episode has been on TV before.
It’s a nice day and I want to get up from this floor.
Right now, I’d like to be at the park and on a swing,
Oh, go on then… I’ll watch Bob again making his thing.
Copyright © 2013 written by Zoe Hunter and Leslie Roberts
THE PAINTING
TODDLER
Look, Mum, I did this at pre-school today.
I love paints and getting messy in this way,
I like their paintbrushes that we borrow
I hope we can do this again tomorrow.
MOTHER
Oh, what a fantastic painting of a blue whale
And you haven’t forgotten to put in his tail.
You’ve portrayed a beautiful tree as well,
You’ve got an artistic flair, I can tell.
Copyright © 2013 written by Zoe Hunter and Leslie
Roberts
THE DAYTIME SKY
TODDLER
Wow! I can see something new in the sky
It’s very long and lovely, look, come and see.
Oh! And there’s something strange going by
I’ve never seen these; they both look good to me.
MOTHER
We’ve got to make a wish because that’s a rainbow
Such beautifully bright colours they always show
And that there was a very small aeroplane
Oh no, goodbye sun, and back here comes the rain
Copyright © 2013 written by Zoe Hunter and Leslie Roberts
THE NIGHTTIME SKY
TODDLER
Daddy, what’s that big white round thing
And those small things, bright and twinkling?
There are so many of them in the sky
It’s quite dark and yet I can see them, why?
FATHER
Oh yes, look, right there is our moon
Somebody might go up there again soon.
And we call that a star, but really, it’s a sun,
It gives out loads of bright light, just like our one.
Copyright © 2013 written by Zoe Hunter and Leslie Roberts
COACH TRIP TO THE FARM
TODDLER
This thing looks massive; I’ve no idea where we’re going,
You’ve kept it such a secret I’ve got no means of knowing,
It could be to a market or maybe to a fair,
If you do not spill the beans, I may not like it there.
FATHER
This thing is a very big coach and now we’re on our way,
The best fun you’ve had was when we drove to the zoo,
So, I thought you’d like to meet some more animals today
This is your big surprise. I know they’ll welcome you.
We’ll be watching cows being milked and the piglets play
And if you behave you may even get to feed a lamb
To crown what I’m sure will be a memorable day.
Also, there is a puppy who likes to chase balls, called Sam.
Copyright © 2013 written by Zoe Hunter and Leslie Roberts
TRAIN RIDE
TODDLER
I’m sure I’ll hear you say, “Don’t be impatient,” yet again
I see a long way down the line, but there’s no train.
I’ve seen it now, but it’s not stopping, simply whizzing past
And look here is another one. I hope it’s ours at last.
FATHER
I don’t need to tell you, this will be quicker than a bus,
But there are times when this is more convenient for us.
Oh, and although we’re going to a carnival for fun
Your eyes will love the scenery, especially in the sun.
Copyright © 2013 written by Zoe Hunter and Leslie Roberts
MAKE ME LAUGH!
MOTHER
You haven’t smiled at all today,
Maybe you’re not feeling well,
When you are quiet in this strange way
I do find it hard to tell.
TODDLER
It isn’t hard to make me laugh,
You can sing or try tickling me,
Pretend you are a big giraffe
Or bounce me on your knobbly knee.
Copyright © 2013 written by Zoe Hunter and Leslie Roberts
THAT WINNING SMILE
MOTHER
I find it hard to be cross
When you flash that winning smile,
Makes me wonder who is boss
Ah! But only for a while.
TODDLER
I didn’t mean to misbehave
I want to make amends.
If you don’t love me, I’ll be brave
But can we still be friends?
MOTHER
Of course, I love you – and your grin,
So long as we have discipline.
Copyright © 2013 written by Zoe Hunter and Leslie Roberts
THE WENDY HOUSE
FATHER
Knock, knock, hello, I’ve come for a visit.
Oh, I can’t fit in, I’m way too tall!
What a shame, but I can tell you so love it,
Sitting there looking at your book on a stall.
TODDLER
Hello, Daddy, I’m having great fun in here
These pictures are very good in this book.
I’m so very glad that you’re near,
Oh, please come, so you can have a look.
Copyright © 2013 written by Zoe Hunter and Leslie Roberts
THE GARDEN SHED
TODDLER
I do like playing outside with you, Dad, in the garden,
But right now, I’m feeling a little tired and cold.
I sit on my blanket and watch TV in my playpen,
There’s Igglepiggle, that’s good, as I need him to hold.
FATHER
Look, put your toys back in the shed for this year.
The winter’s come and it will stay until next spring.
But I can assure you time flies and we’ll be back, dear,
Playing outside again with your cars, bikes and swing.
Copyright - Zoe Hunter and Leslie Roberts 2013
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