Writing a blog for a couple of "balancing the life of the working mother" sites, I write about the issues I have identified in my own life and try to share them with other working mothers. One thing that stands out is that in today's society, parents (both mother, father and sometimes grandparents) are working hands on in our child's classroom. There are many levels or degrees of involvement we can choose as parents to be a parent helper. Our schedules and work committments may not always allow us the freedom to schedule a couple of hours in the classroom, but there are viable alternatives including volunteering for special parties/events, field trips, providing assistance with projects from home (helping the teacher schedule parent helpers, items to be brought into school), tracking Scholastic book orders, etc.
The first step is identifying what role you will be the most effective in according to your life. If you are lucky enough to have a grandparent that lives close by, this is also a very rewarding and purposeful role that a grandparent can participate in. If you're still a little uneasy or hesitating to participate, here are a few reasons to reconsider why being involved in your child's early education is important.
1. Time is the greatest gift of all. Remember, children are only young for a little while so enjoy this time while you can!
2. Parents will have a deeper understanding of what their children are experiencing in school by being present which translates into increased learning and developmental milestones.
3. Learning and academics are only one aspect of your child's education. Having direct classroom involvement provides a bird's eye view of how your child is interacting with classmates, making friends and tuning into their personal and social development.
4. Enjoy the "happiness" you give your child just by making your presence known. Consider this your "15 minutes of fame with your most loving fan" as you just made them the post popular kid in class. Bring a snack to share (if permitted..that's a whole separate blog these days), and your popularity may just be cemented into the Hall of Fame.
5. Revisit your childhood... Yes, that's exactly what I said! While cutting out construction paper "hearts" for Valentine's Day may not be matched to your college degree, how many of us can say we really had an opportunity to "color out of the lines" for a couple of hours? Enjoy your own time out from the real world of responsibilities.
Remember, whatever your level of involvement, to enjoy this shared experience with your child. I have immense respect for the many parents who volunteer their time tirelessly, who sit on PTA boards, have the time and patience to cut out superior Jello-Jigglers, and work diligently with my child on their day to be parent helper. Don't forget to smile and realize that, like childbirth, you probably won't remember the painful parts but only the good times you will have when you are there.
They don't stay young forever!
The first step is identifying what role you will be the most effective in according to your life. If you are lucky enough to have a grandparent that lives close by, this is also a very rewarding and purposeful role that a grandparent can participate in. If you're still a little uneasy or hesitating to participate, here are a few reasons to reconsider why being involved in your child's early education is important.
1. Time is the greatest gift of all. Remember, children are only young for a little while so enjoy this time while you can!
2. Parents will have a deeper understanding of what their children are experiencing in school by being present which translates into increased learning and developmental milestones.
3. Learning and academics are only one aspect of your child's education. Having direct classroom involvement provides a bird's eye view of how your child is interacting with classmates, making friends and tuning into their personal and social development.
4. Enjoy the "happiness" you give your child just by making your presence known. Consider this your "15 minutes of fame with your most loving fan" as you just made them the post popular kid in class. Bring a snack to share (if permitted..that's a whole separate blog these days), and your popularity may just be cemented into the Hall of Fame.
5. Revisit your childhood... Yes, that's exactly what I said! While cutting out construction paper "hearts" for Valentine's Day may not be matched to your college degree, how many of us can say we really had an opportunity to "color out of the lines" for a couple of hours? Enjoy your own time out from the real world of responsibilities.
Remember, whatever your level of involvement, to enjoy this shared experience with your child. I have immense respect for the many parents who volunteer their time tirelessly, who sit on PTA boards, have the time and patience to cut out superior Jello-Jigglers, and work diligently with my child on their day to be parent helper. Don't forget to smile and realize that, like childbirth, you probably won't remember the painful parts but only the good times you will have when you are there.
They don't stay young forever!
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