I’m doing too much. Or maybe, not enough.
I am on the PFO Board, I volunteer in class, I’m my daughter’s class Room Parent, I serve on the school’s Site Council, I’m the PAC Rep. I have also created my PFO’s website and manage the school’s Facebook page. I get paid for none of this. I do it because no one else will. I do it because I want to give my children all the extras that should come with a public school education, but don’t. I find myself raising my hand way more often these days. The days when I really don’t have time to do any of this extra-curricular stuff. By the way, I wrote a post a long time ago about how I wasn’t going to volunteer anymore.
There are certain people who end up doing-it-all… you know the type, although you might not be that person yourself. I would have never thought I would be that type. I was the one who skipped the meetings, let other people volunteer, hid in the corner and kept my arms firmly at my side. I went through a point a long time ago of volunteering and then getting really frustrated that I wasn’t getting any kind of recognition for all the hard work I did. Maybe with age comes wisdom, but I realize that I’m not doing it anymore for the accolades. I just want to make it all better.
Where does this come from, this need to help?
My Mother is to blame. She started off as my Brownie Leader in elementary school, she volunteered weekly at our local Food Pantry, she helps feed the homeless on holidays. But that isn’t really where it started. It started further back… with my Grandmother. You don’t develop a need to help out of the blue. I believe it’s a learned trait, passed down from generation to generation. I see it in my own daughters.
The girls have all ran for Student Council positions and WON. They volunteer at school carnivals and Temple functions. They like to help. They seek it out. I hope they will always feel the need to step in, when others won’t. Because not enough people do. And somebody has to.
So, it’s a stressful, thankless job… this volunteering business. And I swore years ago I would never do it again. And here I am… doing it again. Because somebody had to.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
My son is not yet school-age like your children, but I know I will be doing the same thing. It’s in your blood, my friend! Thanks for your hard work.
Jessica recently posted..What really matters
I am a firm believer in not over-stretching myself. I know what my limits are … and even if I feel crummy about not involving myself in something, I remind myself that in the long run, everyone in my family will be happier if I’m not completely stretched to my limit and stressed. ((hugs))
Tottums recently posted..It’s my birthday – and other stuff.
As someone who grew up with a mother that was the same - it’s incredibly meaningful to your girls. Even when they don’t realize it. Years later they will know how much you loved them to have done this. (My mom, of course, volunteered so damn much the school eventually offered her a job. Look out!)
AJ recently posted..This Couldn’t Wait Any Longer
They keep trying to recruit me for more things. Nope… my plate is over-full!
By the time my son got to first grade (he is now only in 2nd) I had learned to say no at the school. I was doing SO much! And there has to be other parents who can help out. I don’t want programs to suffer but I also have to realize that it is not only my responsibility to save them. It is very hard for me to say no. But for my sanity, it is a must!
Sharon Garofalow recently posted..Styling up a Geometric Back to School Brunch
LOL I know the feeling!
Christie Moeller recently posted..Phillip Lim for Target
I used to do this..and now, I’ve really stopped. I had to say no to some things or the things that are even more important would have fallen off. But I have to fight the urge to say yes EVERY time. Now, I’m more selective about what I say yes to.
gigi recently posted..Zen and The Art of Knowing What Your Kids Want
The world needs people like you! But always remember. It’s ok to say no or even just to take a little break
Betsy recently posted..Shrimp and Sweet Potato Hash
And we’re all so glad you do what you do for our school.