Why I Volunteer

The school year is fast approaching, we start at the beginning of August.  I am ready and dreading it all at the same time.  A recent conversation with a friend about teachers put a lot of the parents in a panic.  As any parent knows, not all teachers are created equal.  There are always the teachers that everyone wants, the teachers that would be just fine and those one or two teachers that you pray your child doesn't get.  

I didn't think I would have to worry about this teacher this year, but due to some switching, there was now that possibility.

As soon as I got home, I e-mailed the principle, never naming this teacher but instead stating the needs of my child and what kind of teacher would be a great fit for them.  I have been through this before.  I remember Lucas' Preschool teacher telling me, "well as long as he gets good teachers he will be okay, otherwise he may really struggle."  Thankfully, he has had great teachers over the years and now is exceeding out expectations.  This new possibility truly had me worried how this year would go, setting back their education greatly, especially their love of learning if they had this teacher.

The principle quickly e-mailed me back, saying she looked up where my kids were placed and I would be very happy with their teachers.

A huge sigh of relief, and this is why I volunteer.

I like being in the school, feeling the pulse of the school, the teachers and even how my child truly
behaves when not at home.  I like helping out for events and am in school councils as not only do I know what is going on, but then the principle and teachers know me.

I truly believe in being an advocate for my child.  Now, don't get me wrong, I will be the first to call my children out if they are doing something wrong, not trying hard, or being disrespectful.  I don't want them to be spoon fed anything.  I don't want them to take things in life for granted.  I want them to understand the value of hard work, the value of kindness and charity, and that sometimes life is truly hard.  But that will not stop me from helping ensure that they are getting the best opportunities that they can, the best match for who they are.

In this world of instant gratification it is a delicate balance of providing for your kids and teaching them the importance of hard work.  Teaching them to truly appreciate those who help them, provide for them and those they interact with on a daily basis.  I am far from a perfect parent, but I try.

I will always fight for my kids; I will always teach them hard work and kindness; I will always hold my kids responsible for their actions and behavior and most importantly I will always love them and never give up on them.  I am a mother and I volunteer.