Hi, Larraby!

A fun way to introduce a bunch of kids

ADDED July 14, 2009

My kids -- like many children -- are a little shy when meeting other kids, and I've found one way to break the ice is to call everyone by the wrong name. While I am not a fan of the "Dumb Dad," for this I will make an exception.

Here is what I do: I make up the most absurd names and introduce the kids with them. I will say, "Hi, Hortense and Vernon, nice to meet you. This is Larraby and Gertude." Kids being kids, everyone immediately corrects me, and I will then go around the group again and say each person's correct name.

Next, I introduce them again, but this time I jumble up everyone's name. I call the girls the boys' names and vice versa. I'll even introduce the dog using one of the parents' names. At this point, the kids are having fun -- and insistent on pointing out my many mistakes. I ask the kids to see if they can go around the group saying the correct names.

Soon, the ice is all broken and names are all known! And luckily, everyone is usually quite forgiving of my bumbling attempts. (Also, my middle name is in fact, Larraby.)