Lizette, a parent participating in early learning programming in Contra Costa County, shared her Tandem experience at our Building on Books Celebration in San Francisco on May 7, 2026. Her speech is published in full below.
My name is Lizette, and I am one of the many families that participates in Tandem events in the Contra Costa area, and I am happy to share a part of my Tandem journey with you all.
In September 2025, I became a stay-at-home mom, and I was trying to figure everything out. I had an almost two-year-old, and I wanted to find ways to keep him engaged—to find something where he could learn, build his language skills, and develop socially. At the same time, I was five months pregnant. It felt overwhelming trying to balance it all while also stepping into the role of being my child’s first teacher.
I looked into the Antioch Library and found an upcoming bilingual storytime event, which I later realized was a Tandem event. I had been to other library storytimes before, but this one felt different.
What stood out right away was how intentional it was. It wasn’t just reading—it was music, movement, and interaction.
My son was engaged, and I was learning alongside him. And then, at the end, we were given a free book to take home. That may seem simple, but for many families, access to books is a real barrier. Tandem removes that barrier and helps build home libraries, one book at a time.
As I learned more about Tandem and joined their newsletter, I realized they offered so much more than in-person storytimes. They also had Cantonese Zoom storytime, which I was so excited to discover and be a part of. My children are biracial, and where we live, it can be difficult to consistently expose them to their Chinese culture and language. Being able to join these virtual storytimes gave us a meaningful way to stay connected to that part of their identity, right from home.
Through Tandem, I gained practical tools I could actually use. I learned that supporting my child’s development didn’t require expensive materials or complicated plans. It could be simple, meaningful, and part of our everyday routine. I also saw real growth in my son. He began learning how to interact with other children, follow structure during circle time, and build early communication skills—all critical for school readiness.
Tandem didn’t just support my child—it supported me.
During a major life transition from one child to two, I found guidance, encouragement, and eventually, a community. What started as me looking for help turned into connection with other parents going through similar experiences. That kind of support is invaluable, especially for stay-at-home parents who can often feel isolated.
Now, I find myself sharing Tandem with other families whenever I can. I tell them about the storytimes, the engagement, and the books—but more importantly, I tell them how it builds confidence in both parents and children.
Programs like Tandem matter because they bridge a critical gap. They help families who want to support their children’s education but may not know how or have the resources to do so. They provide guidance, access, and community—all in one place. And that’s where your support makes a direct impact.
Your contributions help fund those books that families take home. They support programs that teach parents how to become their child’s first teacher. And they create spaces—both in person and virtual—where children can build the foundational skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Tandem is not just a program—it’s an investment in families, in early learning, and in stronger communities.
Join us
Tandem offers free interactive read alouds, family workshops, and play-and-learn groups across San Francisco, Alameda, and Contra Costa counties. Check out our calendar to join an upcoming event near you.
We can’t wait to see you there!
