Take:
A tumult of toddlers
A cacophony of carers
A muddle of mothers,
Disappearance of dads
A greatness of grandparents
A legend of leaders*
A twinkle of stars
And a riot of rhymes.
Mix to taste.
A collective Toddler Christmas party
*Apart from the poet!
It was the glorious madness of our toddler group Christmas party today. Great fun, as always.
(17.12.25)
© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by leoni fleming on Unsplash
Making contact when conversation
doesn’t work, when words are sounds
that don’t come back, a look remains
ambiguous, devoid of meaning.
The simple joy of nursery rhymes
sung in a circle, face to face,
that bridge the gap, enliven souls,
provoke a smile and joining in.
The thrill of holding toddlers in the
palm of your hands, provoking laughter,
and drawing those who played apart
together into unison.
One of the joys of my week is doing time at Toddlers. It’s a magic moment when we caught up together as one.
(22.10.25)
© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
A torrent of toddlers teaming in,
A stream of squealing, screaming sound,
A shouting, shoal of shiny din.
Pouring past our open doors,
Abandoning bags and boots around,
And flowing onto every floor.
Playdough, crayons and other craft,
Friendships on a seesaw found,
Filling the church with fun and laughter.
After the break we’re back on track,
So look out folks, toddlers are back!
Our toddler group returned today after the summer holidays. It was wonderful to have them back.
(10.09.25)
© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by E Hillsley on Unsplash
I’ve known you for a year or so.
But then you turn to look at me,
Your identity is still unclear,
Personality unknown.
What lies behind those searching eyes?
What thoughts are hid, emotions felt?
I can but guess, they dwell obscure,
Kept veiled behind a lack of words.
Until today, that is, for then
I heard your voice. It caught me by
Surprise; you are not who I thought
You were, but now at last you’re heard.
One of the toddlers spoke to me for the first time today. It’s always fascinating to discover how the person it reveals matches up to your expectation.
(25.06.25)
© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash
She’s nearly two. Hiding behind her mother’s legs,
her eyes are like those magnetic links on wooden
trains, repelled when other eyes approach.
She risks a playful peak; it does not last.
Eventually she sees the toys surrounding her.
They call for her attention. She responds,
urgently dragging mum within her wake.
I see my chance and holding out a ball
I sit patiently, waiting for the catch.
She bites, I reel, and slowly draw her in.
Tentative fingers clasp the outstretched bait;
before she knows it’s happened we’re at play.
Toddler Group again today, and my regular quest to overcome their shyness.
(04.06.25)
© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Clark Young on Unsplash
Just place her down and instantly
her body wound, a rubber band,
until the tension broke and poured
like crashing waves upon the sand.
What stamina she had for one
so young! This tidal flood could last
for hours until she was picked up
and then and only then would pass.
It didn’t matter if you sat
beside her or played face to face,
you may as well have left the room, or
simply vanished without a trace.
No, as soon as nappy-wrapped
behind made contact with the floor,
this lovely child, delightful girl
transformed, convulsing with a roar.
Her eyes would bulge and stomach clench,
and face turn many shades of puce,
her knuckles turn to pearls of white
and then tsunamis would be loosed.
All other souls would scatter fast
to seek her tired and desperate mother,
and if they couldn’t find her fast
dive under tables seeking cover.
A year has passed, you’d never guess
this happy child was such a pain.
Beware the day she has a child
and mighty tantrums rage again!
At toddlers I’ve been befriended by a girl who not so long ago was played by insecurity. To see the change in her is wonderful. I wonder if she’ll ever realise what she put her childminders through.
(14.05.25)
© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Zahra Amiri on Unsplash
The source of so many lessons:
Do not climb up the slope
or throw yourself from the top.
Take your go in turns
and don’t push others off.
Use your head but always
descend the slide feet first.
Make sure the way is clear
before taking flight.
Expect to be involved
in a collision if you play at the bottom.
Toy cars pushed down with force
do not have workable breaks…
It was Toddlers this morning, which always makes great people watching, especially if the smaller variety!
(13.11.24)
© Ben Quant 2024
Putting out the tables,
hauling down the toys,
vacuuming the carpet.
Laying out a perfect
spread of fun before we
open up the doors.
Dodge incoming toddlers
running fast, heads down,
parents pulled in tow.
Others stand bewildered,
wondering why they’re here,
and who these strangers are.
Seek to find a way to
bring these lives together
and maybe learn to share.
Strive to turn a cry
into a smile and laugh,
and that’s just with the parents!
After clearing tables,
gather for refreshments,
rewind to the beginning.
Wednesday morning is Toddlers morning, when I get paid to work! Exhausting but wonderful.
(16.10.24)
© Ben Quant 2024
Photo by Tanaphong Toochinda on Unsplash
The doors open and in they flood
Like waves some crash with confidence
Relentless tide displacing toys
Whilst others, human barnacles
Cling to their carers’ legs constrained
Fearful of blundering bulldozers
Finally in the flotsam drifts
Worn down by lack of precious sleep
And full of care and caffeine highs
Every Wednesday our church holds its toddler group and I get to play and call it work. Its amazing how within moments a carefully set up room can look as if it has been hit by a tidal wave.
(23.03.22)
© Ben Quant 2022
Ode for the Day 