As the school year winds down, I find myself eagerly anticipating summer break, just like my fifth grader. It’s a well-known fact that parents often need a break as much as their children do. After years of volunteering at school events and activities for my two children, aged 11 and 9, I’ve come to recognize the importance of taking a step back.
Since my oldest began kindergarten in 2010, I have been deeply involved in their education. I volunteered not out of obligation, but out of a desire to engage with my children’s learning experiences. As a work-from-home parent, I often felt the need to fill my time, viewing volunteering as a way to counteract any feelings of idleness. However, I’ve learned that sometimes, this commitment can become overwhelming.
At my children’s first elementary school, a small institution in a close-knit district, there was a strong culture of parental involvement. Parents actively participated in classrooms, organized fundraisers, and coordinated extracurricular activities. The collaboration between teachers, administration, and parents created a vibrant community. I felt compelled to join in and signed up for many roles, including serving on the PTA board as historian and secretary, organizing yearbooks, and even coaching an after-school robotics team despite my limited knowledge of engineering.
As time passed, I began to feel the weight of my commitments. While I enjoyed many aspects of volunteering and valued the relationships I had built, I also recognized that I couldn’t sustain doing everything. By the end of my oldest’s fourth grade, I was burnt out. I realized that the activities I loved most were far less stressful and far more fulfilling than those I felt obligated to do.
After moving to a new school, I found myself back in the cycle of overcommitting. This included coaching a robotics team, which turned out to be one of my least enjoyable experiences. Lacking a background in STEM and feeling underprepared, I struggled to guide the students. Despite the enthusiasm of the kids and the fun they had during competitions, I couldn’t shake the feeling that they could have learned more under a different coach.
Similarly, my experience with the new school’s PTA was less than satisfactory. The teachers utilized volunteers differently than at my previous school. I did return to robotics this year, but I stopped volunteering in classrooms and withdrew from the PTA. Instead, I focused on coaching track, where my background in running allowed me to feel genuinely useful.
I’ve come to understand that volunteering should not feel like a burden. Many parents jump into every opportunity, especially when schools face budget cuts and need additional support. While I appreciated my past involvement, I’ve decided to prioritize my time moving forward. Both of my children will be transitioning to new schools next year, and I plan to explore volunteer opportunities without feeling obligated to say yes to everything.
In essence, the phrase “Do what you love, love what you do” rings true in the context of volunteering. I will only engage in activities that bring me joy and fulfillment, allowing me to make a meaningful impact while also taking care of my own well-being.
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Summary:
This article discusses the author’s journey of volunteering at their children’s schools, the joy of past experiences, and the realization that prioritizing personal well-being is essential. The need to step back from overcommitting to focus on fulfilling activities is emphasized, encouraging others to do the same.
Keyphrase: volunteering in schools
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