I've had some internal guilt the last few months, since school started.
Last year I helped in Emma's class for 2 hours a week. I went to snack recess with her, where she much preferred hanging out with me than her friends. I know that won't last long. At our elementary school, you can really only help in the classroom during kindergarten. So you have to get creative to get into the classroom after that. Tyler is in kindergarten now and I wish I could make a weekly commitment to be in his class. It's just not possible with a baby.
One of my friends gave me some good advice: Do those things that will directly affect your children. So, at this point of my life, when my time and situation doesn't allow me to be in Tyler's classroom to volunteer, and I don't really have many options to be around Emma during the day, I had to figure out a way to make it work. Being in the PTA is a great thing, but it's not what is most going to affect my children. I decided to become an art docent in their classes. It's just once a month but I went one time already and they absolutely ate it up. Tyler was so flattered that I mentioned to his class how much he likes to paint. Emma's friends/classmates were so enamored that "Emma's mom" came to talk to them about art and music. I'm trying to squeeze every minute out of them still thinking that their mom coming to their class is "cool."
I like being in direct contact with my children while they're at school, even if it's just for 45 minutes once a month. While there are lots of things I could be doing that would benefit the school, I like knowing I'm benefitting the kids. Maybe someday in the future I'll be PTA president (ha). Right now I'd rather spend my time with my kids and their friends, even if just for a short time, than with a bunch of other parents.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
times and seasons
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9 comments:
good for you! I'm glad you are enjoying your time in there - even if it is just a little while.
My best talks with my mom, in high school, always happened on the way to and from school and in the other car going other places. She would just let me talk. And, my dad could never understand why I was so much closer to her than I was with him. . . all those car trips.
Not sure how that translates to being an art docent -- which is awesome -- but, that's what this post made me think of! Thanks for the gentle reminder to make quality time vs. quantity time with my Luke. :)
MUCH better to help in class that do PTA stuff!!!
so true Cheri! I just started volunteering in Tennyson's class once a week and I am absolutely loving it. Yes, better to take advantage and do what you still can while they think it is "cool" that you are in their class! I love reading your blog by the way, too!
I'm so glad you're doing this now. My mom had a similar role at my school (talking about art/music) but didn't start until I was in 6th grade. Needless to say I about died! I laugh now about how embarrassing I thought it was. Good job catching them early.
Great advice for the future!
Hey Cheri! I hope you don't mind I found your blog through Sierra's blog. How are you? You have such a cute family and our little ones are only a month or so apart!
Glad to see you and the family are doing well! Take care!
I needed to read this and be reminded about the importance of doing things that matter to our children... it might be "nice" to do things for the school or other groups, but definitely not one of those essential things that will truly make a difference.
Maybe you'll be PTA President when Spencer's Stake President!! Hmmm, let's see, the rate your going that will be in 2 years!
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