Mkrop
I just cant go on demand
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
This is very good advice. As someone who will have kids at the elementary school for about 15 years in a row, I made it a point to sit back and observe (working on committees, but keeping quiet). Nothing ruffles feathers like a new kindergarten parent with new ideas - it's just the way it is.
At this point, I'm solidly in the loop (being here for over 10 years), but I find I still prefer to avoid the drama, offer to help, give my opinion when asked, but stay out of the drama.
I've never heard of kids getting black listed over any parent, even if they aren't loved buy the PTA. I've found that it's best to bide your time, start off slowly, and earn the respect of the other members. Keep in mind, some of them are crazy, but you have to wait it out, to see a clearer picture, and seek out the nice ones.
This I agree with I have been at my kids's school now 9 years and I am a worker bee through and through. I dont head any committees, I just sign up for what needs to be done and I show up to do it. I have no desire to run anything.
Our PTA seems ok, the majority of them live in the same development so they do BBQs and other stuff together outside of school but I think this gives them the appearance of being cliquey. Our prinicipal talked about this very complaint last night and she said she has been around a long time and you will find it everywhere!
I know one new mom was complaining about the clique, I know for a fact I am not a part of it, but they always welcome the help so I am not sure what she wants out of it the group.
I would think these moms are jealous of your youth, but you do need to tread carefully, new ideas are great but sometimes change is hard, and sometimes the change you want to make is not as easy as you think. I just had a mom complain about our Yearbook. She wanted it changed but didnt of course want to help. When I explain to her how much time her changes would need, she got all huffy with me as if I didnt like her ideas. I am a volunteer, I love new ideas but I can reinvent the wheel bc of one complaint and certainly if you dont want to actually want to help.