This week, an unexpected email landed in my inbox, one that stirred feelings I wasn’t prepared for. The subject simply read “Bake Sale.” Having navigated the world of elementary school bake sales for five years with my kids, I’ve seen my fair share of notices about bake sales, plant sales, and all sorts of fundraising events, but I’ve never been the one in charge.
Typically, I prefer projects that allow for creativity and time spent at my own desk, not ones that involve coordinating with other moms for Rice Krispie treats. I enjoy volunteering for initiatives that resonate with me both as a mom and as a children’s author. If there’s a call for Parents as Reading Partners, I’m all in.
But this year is different. My oldest child is entering fifth grade, marking her final year at our cherished elementary school. This transition year will be filled with more than just homework and tests—it includes spirit nights, a fifth-grade trip, graduation, a momentous party, and yes, a hefty amount of fundraising to pull it all off.
This brings me back to the bake sale email that, while it may seem mundane to the average parent, prompted me to reflect on my own childhood and the memories of my single mom. I remember joining the cheerleading squad for our local pee-wee football team at around age seven. Dressed in our bright red skirts and white sweaters, we were quite the sight. These bake sale moms from my youth seemed to have it all together, arriving with their homemade treats and enthusiasm that filled the crisp autumn air.
Yet, my own mother was often absent from that brigade. She was either working or busy with my brother’s activities. She was a strong feminist—a political activist and medical professional—who believed that many women were undervalued in the system. This sentiment casts a shadow as I prepare to attend PTA meetings, book fairs, and now, organize a bake sale. I can almost hear her voice questioning, “Don’t you have better things to do? A book to write? Dinner to prepare?”
I have plenty on my plate, like many parents juggling full-time jobs and family responsibilities. Some friends manage to attend every school event, while others delegate that duty to grandparents or babysitters. Each has their own way of coping with the demands of school involvement, whether out of guilt or satisfaction.
When schools require our time and energy, we must all contribute according to our abilities—some by volunteering, others by sending a couple of bucks or store-bought treats. This leads me to wonder about those cheer moms of my past. Did they have jobs that I was unaware of? Were they wrestling with their own identity crises?
While pondering these questions, I’ve come to embrace my role as the Bake Sale Mom. I enjoy being present at my kids’ school, soaking in the familiar scents of sharpened pencils and cafeteria food. It’s a privilege to have the flexibility to participate and contribute. Watching my children’s smiles when they see me at school events is incredibly rewarding, as is knowing that our efforts are supporting both our school and community.
So, is this who I am now? Yes, alongside many other roles I play. And yes, I genuinely enjoy baking.
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In conclusion, embracing my identity as a Bake Sale Mom has been a gratifying experience, enriching my connection to my children’s school and community.
Keyphrase: Bake Sale Mom
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