You know that mom who is always at your child’s school? She makes all the cupcakes, she’s all over the PTA, she’s always sending out emails and Facebook notifications about this or that event, she is forever the class parent, she’s at pick up, she’s at drop-off, she’s always there. I mean, didn’t she get enough of school the first time around?
That mom may be onto something.
Schools are set up today in a way that distances families from what goes on inside. While notices home often proclaim the importance of being an involved parent, in reality, most schools in practice discourage involvement and operate in a way that offers only the narrowest window into what goes on in there all day. You’ll likely be told very little (if anything) about the curriculum that is being taught to your child, testing requirements, and perhaps even issues that relate specifically to your child.
The best way to see the bigger picture, to understand the culture inside the school, and to get a sense of what is being taught to your child, is to be “that” mom. Raise your hand-—you’ll bring the cupcakes.
Here are eight reasons to get involved in your child’s school.
Understand What Is Being Taught
Many parents today are in the dark about what is and is not being taught to their child. The reality can be shocking.
When you’re informed in this regard you can supplement where needed, help with homework more effectively, and speak up if you find elements that do not align with your family’s values.
Become Connected to Your Community
Being the mom who’s always there will allow you to get to know the people in your neighborhood. Being connected to a community is a blessing for sure.
Encourage Accountability
A frequent presence at school will increase the accountability of the teachers and administration. It’s all too easy for a child to get lost in the shuffle at school.
Being in school more often will allow you to be well-informed and communicate more frequently with your child’s teacher.
Experience the Environment for Yourself
The environment your child spends upwards of seven hours a day has a major impact on them. Get to know this environment and ensure that it’s one you’re happy to immerse your child in day after day.
Make a Positive Impact on the School
Of course, being a volunteer and getting to work on things that need doing will lead you to have a positive impact on your child’s school. Depending on the extent of your involvement, your contribution may become significant. What a wonderful thing to make the school in your community even better than you found it.
Be an Informed Advocate for Your Child
When it’s not all roses as school, you’ll have well-established relationships with teachers and administrators you can communicate with and advocate for your child’s needs.
Show Your Child Support
Your child will love seeing you in school (even if the older ones may not admit it). Your presence there shows a high level of support and gives a sense that you’re in this together.
Have Confidence in Your School Choice
Today’s parents have more choices than ever before when it comes to how and where their children are educated. Maintaining a strong presence in your child’s school will either reinforce your decision to enroll in that school or inform a different decision. Either way, you’ll have greater confidence knowing you’re fully informed.
