Volunteering at Kid's School

[RachelEllen]

A question for all you out there with late elementary or middle schoolers. Is it weird for a parent to volunteer to help out with an activity that your kid doesn't participate it?

Background: I have a 10 year old step-son. This is my second year with him, and his first in a new school. I'm a math geek, and when I was in middle school, I did math team! Math team at his new school needs coaching help, and I'd love, love, love!!! to do it. However, my husband says that if your kid isn't involved in the activity, it's just "not done."

Feels like a shame to me. He's going to an awesome school, and I'd love to be involved, and for my daughter to go there in a few years as well. Plus, there's no way I'd be involved in any of DSS's activities (I wouldn't make much of a baseball coach! And, it would be inappropriate of me to take on any room mom/team mom roles.)

 

[cepmom]

I don't think it's weird at all. I have volunteered at my DD's school library at a time that worked for my schedule. My Dd's class was not going to be at the library at that time, but they needed volunteers so I went with what worked for me. I think it's great you want to volunteer to help the school out, even if your stepson isn't in that particular activity.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I don't find it weird at all. Go for it!

 

[NAB]

Schools need more volunteers in all areas!! Not all parents can volunteer and it is nice when there is extra hands to help out.

Our school puts up list at the beginning of the year and we just sign up for what we can or want to do. We have a few volunteers that do everything and are well know to all the kids.

Go ahead and do it!!

 

[PollyannaMom]

Definitely go ahead and get involved!

I have a third grader, but will be assisting in a second grade CCD class next fall. That's what they needed the most, and DS doesn't think it's weird at all that I won't be in his actual room.

 

[fimac]

Go for it. The school wants volunteers and you enjoy the subject. You will be in a better position to get to know the staff. It will also let the school know that you want to help and not just limiting yourself to those activities involving your kid.

 

[JoanGirardi]

I'd say go ahead and get involved. If it turns out that your husband is right--hey, it happens --you could always bow out later, but chances are it will be totally cool and they will love having an enthusiastic volunteer.

 

[kacaju]

by middle school most kids don't even want their friends to know they HAVE parents, so there is no way your kid wants you any where NEAR their activities!! LOL!!

No, I don't think it is strange.

 

[ckay87]

Not weird, I would consider that enrichment for you. It is very giving of anyone to share their skills without compensation. It's no different than volunteering for Meals on Wheels or your local animal shelter. You may not have a home-bound elderly relative or a dog in a shelter, but you are giving of yourself.

I was a majorette in HS and have thought about doing volunteer coaching. I don't even have daughters. I have another friend who coaches HS softball and her kids are just preschoolers.

Go for it, and good for you.

 

[java]

Not weird at all. And I think it's great that you want to volunteer. Also, you never know if you may inspire your step son to join

 

[MerMom60_94]

I think it's great. When you think about it, kids this age don't want their parents to volunteer in their actual classrooms / activities, but this will give you a chance to help out the school and get to know some of his classmates while at the same time giving him space.

When my DD was in fourth grade I volunteered to do Junior Achievement with her class. There was another class who didn't have anyone volunteer so I volunteered in that classroom, as well.

 

[shortbun]

Volunteer however you choose, just be sure to volunteer!!! The important thing is that your stepson/children know you are there and that you value education. You don't have to be directly in their room for them to know you are volunteering.

 

[All American]

I don't think it's weird at all. I think it's a great way to share your talent, and I am sure the school will appreciate the help.

(If it makes you feel any better, my husband helped coach baseball at one of the local high schools, and we only have a 5-year-old daughter. My brother was the head coach and needed my husband's help. If your talent fits their need--go for it.)

 

[mamacatnv]

I see nothing wrong. As a matter of fact having a female as a math mentor IMO has huge benefits and really gives you an opportunity to get girls looking at math. Go for it

 

[HsvTeacher]

It is absolutely NOT weird! You have a love of math, and you want to share it. I say go for it!

In our school, we encourage parents to volunteer where/when they can. Sometimes it's in their child's classroom, sometimes it's in the library or lunchroom, sometimes it's just sending in little items to be used for lessons. It doesn't matter how they volunteer, it just matters that they do. It shows children that their education is important.

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[RachelEllen]

That's a good point, but I don't think its the case, My dh had this response right as I told him the first time. So he wouldn't have had a chance to feel DSS out about it. His feeling was that you volunteer for stuff in order to get /more/ time with your kid. It seemed strange to him to spend time volunteering with other people's kids. He's a very involved father and works FT, so I see his point.

I definitely don't want to step on toes. (Well, yet. If/when DD is enrolled at the school, I would very much plan to be part of the PTO and volunteer at the grade level. But, by that time DSS will be in middle school) That's why I would never think of doing in room volunteering, as it would be very awkward because DSS's mom works full time and can't do that sort of thing.

Honestly, I just saw the opportunity and got very nostalgic/excited. DSS is a great kid, but his strengths are things I'm just not good at. (Very outgoing, great at sports, I could see him doing student politics, etc) I try to be a great cheerleader for him, but there's part of me that would like to be involved with kids in my area of skill as well.

(Just talking activites, not life. I feel I have a ton to offer DSS in many areas, and we have a good relationship. But we don't share many activities)

 

[Pooh Crew]

Absolutely not weird at all! Our school utilizes volunteers to read with children who need extra assistance, practice spelling words with kids, set up a leveled reader library, etc...I've done all of these things and never with my own children! Go for it and enjoy yourself!