As parents, most of our plates are not only full but overflowing; our schedules are so tight they’re cutting off blood flow and our to-do lists are endless. The last thing any of us truly wants to do is commit to another project, group, or organization.
But there’s one area where we shouldn’t be cutting corners or making excuses, and that’s volunteering at our child’s school. The ongoing social, academic and emotional success of our kids relies heavily on the amazing network of parents and guardians.
You might think you don’t have anything to offer, or that someone else is better fit to volunteer their time. But passing the buck is exactly why so many volunteers end up burned out; it’s always the same five people going to the meetings, planning the events, executing the fundraisers, counting the money, and cleaning up other people’s messes. If you’re a parent or a guardian, and your child goes to school, you have an obligation to find a way to volunteer.
Here are 10 reasons why should get involved (and how to do it without getting overwhelmed).
1. You get to be in their classroom for a reason other than poor listening or a failed test.
2. You get a little more appreciation for the crap masterpieces your kid brings home day after day, which you normally mindlessly sneak to the recycling bin.
3. That kid who picks on your son? It’s perfectly understandable to trip him while you’re there.
4. And the one who you think is just the sweetest ever, but your child insists is a nasty meanie? You get to see that for yourself, too.
5. You get to throw around phrases like, “When I was volunteering at school today” and “The teacher told me …”
6. You’ll feel a little less guilt the next time your kid doesn’t remember to do homework or return the library book on time.
7. You get proudly shown off for a change instead of hushed or hidden from.
8. It’s really nice to see your kid in his or her day to day element and you may even learn something new about them.
9. You get to see what they’re really eating from their lunches.
10. Finally, you get to appreciate how very awesome YOUR kid is compared to every other kid in the room.
