Parenting Tips - School Volunteer

Why Parents Should Volunteer at Their Kids' Schools

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I'm an elementary school principal who relies on parent volunteers for many of the programs at my school. We have noticed a drop off in parent volunteers over the last few years, and I am preparing a letter to go home to parents asking that they volunteer and giving them some reasons why it's important. I have a few of my own, but can you give me some input on what the biggest benefits of parent volunteers are?

Sincerely,

Caring Principal 

A:

Dear Caring Principal,

Here are some reasons that parents should consider volunteering:

* Volunteering at your child's school shows them what a role model parent looks like. Children imitate what they know, and if you are generous and concientious they will be, too. 

* Volunteering at your child's school is a way of getting to know your child that you don't normally have. You can see your child interact with peers, older and younger students, teachers and interact in other situations that are not found in the home. 

* Volunteering at school allows you a relationship with your child's teacher and school that is not all about your child. You become a known quantity at the school as a supporter. Not just Johnny's mother. 

Some of the benefits for both the children and the parents are:

* Children with separation anxiety may feel relieved to see that their parent is in and out of the classroom and school, sometimes. 

* Parents get to form friendships and relationships with other adults at the school and especially other parents. 

* Single parents -- NEVER underestimate the dating potential of volunteering at your child's school. What better way to meet other single parents who care enough about their child and their community to do the same? 

Even working parents can get involved. Here are some ideas for them: 

* Ask your child's teacher what kind of volunteer work they'd like to see from you. They'll tell you. 

*If you have a regular time slot when you can volunteer, let them know. If you don't, ask them to keep you on call for special events and field trips that need chaperoning. 

* Offer to work in the administrative office or nurse's office. It's not just about the classroom.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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