Two for Toddlers

Susan Kent, owner of Treehouse Readers (Kingwood, Tex.), prefers to concentrate on slightly older kids, ages 18 months to three years. She tried a BYOB (Bring Your Own Baby) time, "but it didn't work for us," she says. Wednesday and Friday morning Toddler Times are another matter. "We usually have 10 to 20 kids. It's turned out to be a social event for the moms," said Kent, who charges a $2 fee per child. Parents can then use their Toddler Time receipt as a credit to purchase anything in the store that morning. "It gets parents in the habit of buying. I would say that 75% use the receipt," she said. "And the fee helps pay for the lady who comes in specifically to do this program." Toddler Time lasts a half hour and includes finger plays, singing and books. It gets parents and kids used to coming to the store on the same days that they will be able to attend story time, when they're a little older.