That Parent Place » The Volunteering Mom

Apr 18 2008

The Volunteering Mom

Published by sirenavs at 9:55 pm under Between Parents

Ever since I was a young girl I swore that I would never be “one of those women.” The ones that went to PTA meetings, bake sales or anything that dealt with being a stay at home mom like Mrs. Cleaver. I was constantly bombarded with images that being “one of those women” was a bad thing and I embraced it completely. It wasn’t until my son was in school that I realized that being “one of those women” isn’t really a bad thing.

It is okay to volunteer on the Parent Advisor Board and its okay to give a bit of your time to bake sales and other charity events that will help better the program for not only your child but for hundreds of other children.

If you can’t tell, I’m “one of those women”now, although it has only been for a short period of time. I chaffed a bit at the beginning and shuffled my feet out the door as I headed to a Home and School meeting, the words of my mother echoing in my head, “She must not have anything more fulfilling in her life.” I don’t really blame my mom for this settiment, it was a common theme in the 80’s and 90’s where women who stayed at home being suzy homemaker were thought of poorly. I just know that now 20 years later, I am a stay at home mom and writer and despite everything, it was a little hard to adjust to the idea of joining the home and school board and other groups.

I know I have a long way to go but my son is overjoyed when I mention that I am going to a home and school meeting. I think it is important to him that I am a part of his school community and that I am helping to make it better. And that is why I thought I would say a few words about it tonight. I just wanted to remind everyone that being a part of your child’s other life is a great way to bond with them during their school age years. It is also a great way to stay informed because let’s face it, you never hear about what is going on, and it gives you a way to meet other like minded parents.

But don’t worry if you don’t have the time to attend meetings. It is busy world, made busier but I would urge you to check with your school and find out if there is any way that you can help. Schools always need volunteers and even helping for 5 minutes can be a life saver.

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