Many stay-home Moms devote so much time and energy to their children in the formative years that it can be hard to let go when it’s time for them to start school. After all, virtually losing the person that defined your life for the last five years can leave you feeling like you’ve lost your purpose, as well. It is for this reason that some parents opt to 
take an active role at their child’s school (or specifically, in their child’s class) as a room mom, a chaperone, or simply by helping out occasionally. However, this can be an embarrassment to a child who is just starting to learn the fine art of socializing with a large group of peers. And while young children may exhibit only small signs of disapproval, the sentiment is especially prevalent in middle-school age kids who are just hitting puberty. However, there are still ways that you can take part in school activities and monitor your child’s educational and social progress from afar, even as they begin to grow older.
- Monitor, chaperone, plan. The easiest way to get involved in your child’s school is to volunteer on a part-time basis. With many schools losing funding during the recession, parent aides are more important than ever. So offer to monitor the playground during lunchtime or recess, chaperone on field trips or other class activities, and help to plan various events like dances, meetings, etc.
- Gauge your strengths. Everyone is good at something. Maybe you enjoy baking or food preparation and you are willing to cater snack times. Or perhaps you are a fair hand at sewing and you can help to create costumes for school plays. You might even have had a creative job that deals with art, film, or computer graphics and you can help the class to do fun projects or create an awesome class blog. Whatever your talents, seek ways to use them to the advantage of your child and the class (or the school at large).
- Host fundraisers. If your kid is starting to get a bit peeved that you’re always around, take a step back and try to find ways to stay involved without being ubiquitous. Fundraisers (bake sales, car washes, etc.) are a great way to ensure that the school has the money it needs to provide the best education for your child (including books, supplies, and most importantly, teachers).
- Offer tutoring. Most children could use a little help when it comes to one subject or another, so offer to help out in the classroom or after school for free (as there are plenty of kids who can’t afford expensive tutors). You will get to know some of the kids your child associates with, be present if your child needs you, and provide a valuable service for students who might otherwise get lost in the shuffle.
- Be a mentor. There are plenty of kids out there who could use a little extra love. Your child is lucky enough to have at least one parent who is engaged in their life, but many others have two working parents who are struggling to make ends meet (and unfortunately that leaves little time for the family). You can help these children in a number of ways, but mainly by giving them the love and attention they need to live healthy, happy lives.
[Sheila Simpson writes for Online University where you can browse find the school that is right for you.]
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