17 Ways Busy Moms Can Help Schools Too

School is important! We know that we value that, and we tell our children that.

But do we show them that and how?

What is a busy mom to do? It is hard when you are working and/or have other little ones to take care of.

We don’t all have the time, or desire to run PTA functions or be the totally involved room mom.

Many of us still want to demonstrate through our actions how much we value our children’s education. I mean our kids are at school so many hours a week that it is their job.

Lets start with not feeling bad about who we are as moms and what it is we feel like it is that we have to offer. Not all of us have the time and flexibility to be in the classroom multiple days a week. Not all of us want to be. The mom that does that is not a better mom or a better human being.

Not all of us can handle the added strain of a set schedule of days we are scheduled to volunteer. For some, it may work to carve out 2 hours every Monday to help in the class. For others, their schedule is too erratic or they are just not schedule people. THAT IS OKAY.

I have met a lot of moms now that have serious inadequacy feelings about not helping in the class every week or joining the PTA. Many feel like they cannot measure up or cannot commit to doing as much as they see others do. Then they feel bad about it.

Don’t get me started on the super involved moms that deliberately feed this. You know the ones that make sure everyone knows ow much they are there and how much they give in a snooty way. Seriously don’t get me started! It is an ugly rant…bunch of grown up bullies! Seriously there needs to be a reporting system in place for these beasts. I am getting started.

back on topic!! Not all of us are gregarious extroverts that want to chat with tons of other moms at weekly events, and planning sessions. Some of us are. Whoever you are- you are good and there is a place for you in your children’s school. A level of involvement you can enjoy, and that can convey to your child how much you value their educational experience.

Step 1: Figure out what time you want to offer on what schedule or lack there of.

Step 2: Figure out if you want to help in the class, on the PTA, with events, or with the school in some broader capacity.

Step 3: Think about what you are good at and what you enjoy.

Step 4: Approach the teacher to broach the subject and set it up.

Closeup of a teachers desk with books, paper, and pen and a red apple in front of a chalkboard.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

THE BIGGIES (lots of time)

Be a room parent! Go for it. If you have the time and energy go for it…just don’t be a room parent that makes others feel bad for not doing everything you do.
Join the PTA! Go for it make a difference.

THE INBETWEENIES (Committed time)

Set a 2 hour time frame a week to help in the class with something you enjoy. If you like working with the children help with reading or math. If you want to be part of music time or art time feel free to say so. Teachers can use the help and they love it when they can count on a reliable presence. it is a commitment but can be for a small period of time each week. If you can’t do every week maybe every other week. If there is a way to schedule it with your work to go in late every couple of weeks you can still do this. You do not have to feel like this is a role only for stay at home moms and room moms.
Offer to read to the children once a month or every other week… Children love story time. Teachers always need some time to get a bit of paperwork done
If you prefer to work more one on one than to deal with a crowd offer to provide assistance to a child struggling with learning a specific skill. Give a kidthe1:1 attention they need. Your child will still see you caring about education and the school.
Volunteer to help in the library once a week or once a month. Help reorganize books. Pop into the class to say hello to your child.
Ask the teacher if they would enjoy having a class craft done once a month. find something cute and simple on Pinterest bring some basic supplies with you. Seasonal projects made with little hand prints are big hits. Teachers love to have a little break. If you can get a sitter once a month or move work around to accomodate one time at school in the month you can do this.
Sign up to be a recess monitor as much or as little as you can handle with your schedule.

Children with teacher woman painting on paper at table in kindergarten . Group people.

Children with teacher woman painting on paper at a table in kindergarten . Group people.

THE LITTLES (The little things matter a lot)

Chaperone field trips. It’s okay if you only carve out a niche for field trips. Don’t hesitate. You are still helping and even if they don’t need the help your child sees you caring about them and about school.
Bring an out of the blue snack for the class. Not just because it is your child’s birthday. A just because treat for the class and the teacher. Get teacher approval and avoid any allergies but bring a fun treat (and surprise the teacher with some Starbucks.) Bring some joy- show some love and appreciation–Just Because.
Help with the class parties. Set up and clean up lack a lot of glamor but show you really care. So bring the craft supplies then wipe the glue and glitter smears off the table with a smile.
If your school allows it bring your child a special lunch a few times a year and sit with them. It can be nice to watch them sit with their friends and play on the playground. Your child will feel like a star having his mom bring him a treat and join his day. This is a good one for the parents who want to connect and show their children that they care but are uncomfortable engaging in the classroom.
If you have flexibility of response you can make a general offer to the teacher to be available for back up. * You can offer to come help during times when the teacher is busy with standardized tests. You could run an activity as she pulls kids aside for assessment. You could offer to come help if a regular helper is unavailable. You can offer to be emergency back up assistance for all sorts of things.
Offer your volunteer services to the PTA for putting on the big events. It is not all or nothing and you can always say yes or no to any particular request when it arises.
If being at the school at all is just not your thing or your work has no flexibility you can offer to help the teacher prep craft materials or paperwork at home. Some teachers need the help and are willing to send things home to be cut out and prepared. Bonus you can do this in your pajamas.
Attending back to school nights, teacher conferences, and school performances.
Planning to assist in one specific school event each year the bake sale, the science fair, or red ribbon week. Even if it happens once a year if you contribute meaningfully to it every year it can become sort of your thing.

Children using digital tablet with teacher at classroom desk

Whatever you have to give- Do it!

Whoever you are and whatever your preference is- It is Okay!

There are so many ways to give to others, give to your school, give to the teacher.

Give what you like. Give what makes you feel good. Give something that makes your child feel like you care about their school experience.

If none of those ways to help in the class work for you tell your child how much you value their school experience. Show them by thoroughly combing through the papers that come home, hang their projects on the wall, praise the progress you observe in their work (be specific), and praise the efforts of their teacher. Try to remember that even if that teacher is someone whose methods you do not prefer that unless there are big problems in the class they are an adult that your child benefits from developing a bond with and is a major part of their life for that year.

Grade the Teacher words on report card with A

To prove it I challenge you to recall your 2nd-grade teacher. It might take a moment but I bet you can remember the name, what they looked like, and a few of their quirks. They left a mark on your being. We owe teachers a lot. Help your child value school by simply helping them to value their teacher.