M.I.A.
The first PTA meeting is in a couple of weeks, but I'll be M.I.A. I’d love to attend, but I just can’t. I appreciate everything the PTA does for the school and the children and the teachers. They pull together some amazing events and do a great job raising money for the school. I wish I could attend, but there are only so many hours in the day/week/month.
So, I try to support the school in other ways, like baking anything needed for events and making sure the kids hit up all the relatives and neighbors for the numerous fundraisers, etc. I also offer assistance to my children’s teacher by way of take home projects (cutting, sorting, stapling packets).
But, every August it’s the same thing, I think “I can do this, they even offer free childcare during the PTA meetings.” But, then I remember I’m working over 40 hours a week, have a household to maintain and food to keep in the refrigerator (I WISH my kids liked the food at school), football 2 nights a week plus every Saturday for my son, gymnastics every weekend for my daughter, throw in a work related commitment on weekends here and there, and there’s barely any free time to do non-scheduled things with the kids or just for myself.
I’m not complaining I just believe that when you commit to something you need to follow through and as a working mom I can’t commit to the PTA. If I didn’t work full time I would be an active member of the PTA. Because I do believe in knowing what’s happening at your child’s school. For now, I’ll have to stay in the loop by reading newsletters and PTA meeting notes. Of course, communication with my kids’ teachers is essential. Are you a PTA mom or dad and how do you find the time to fulfill the commitment?
Laura Feit is the mother of two. She lives in Walworth County and works full time for Gazlo.com. Laura is a community blogger and her opinion is not necessarily that of the Janesville Gazette staff or management.
Sep 4, 2010 at 6:38 p.m.
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First off I would like to thank you and all of those parents/family members who support their schools in anyway they can! I am a PTA president at a local elementary school. I also work full time, I am a single mom with 4 children at 3 different schools. Yes, I am crazy!! I absolutely love it! There is nothing better than being a part of your children's education!! We do work hard to make sure all the students and staff have classroom supplies, go on fieldtrips, nice playground equipment, etc. etc. I could go on and on, the district just cut my school's budget by 30% this year, guess who makes up the difference? Thats right, PTA. So if any of you have extra time to bake,volunteer at many wonderful events, or even make phone calls to get people to help, please do. Your participation is emensely apprecitated! I can only speak for my own family, but I truly believe one of the reasons my children have 4.0 grade averages is because I was so involved with their schools. They follow by example, if you show you care in anyway, they will too!
Sep 3, 2010 at 12:01 p.m.
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You may not think your contribution is much but believe me it is! In my experience it is usually the same one or two who end up doing the majority of the work. By taking on the small projects you mentioned, you are relieving them of yet one more job they would have to do. Nothing is ever too small or not enough when it comes to volunteering!
Sep 3, 2010 at 10:59 a.m.
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Teachers often say that only the parents of the "good" kids show up regularly. Although it's good that they show up, the teacher really needs to talk to the parents of the struggling kids! I'm sure you'll make it next time.
Sep 3, 2010 at 9:37 a.m.
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Sounds like you do plenty already. Why do you feel guilty? What about your husband going?
Sep 3, 2010 at 7:16 a.m.
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But you are helping your PTA!! You said that you bake, help raise money during fundraisers, etc!! The PTA needs people like you, and every bit helps..Thank you!!
Sep 2, 2010 at 10:37 p.m.
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Balance is key...making choices that are best for your family is the way to go!
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