How To Be A PTO & Volunteer Mom When You Work Full Time

I often refer to my life as “before” or “after”  divorce.  In my before divorce life I was a stay at home mom and was able to volunteer at the my kid’s school, help with the PTO and be involved in many from class parties, field trips, teacher projects,  center time, making copies for teachers, etc.  I loved being involved in the school and kid’s day to day activities.

Fast forward to now.  My new “after” divorce life poses different challenges when it comes to being actively  involved in day to day school activities.  I am now working full time during school hours so it is difficult to take two hours off and help with center time in a classroom or attend a field trip.  That mommy guilt  kicks in hard when I have to say no to good things so I can say yes to the great things or the meaninfuller (yep I am using my last name) events to our family.   What I was able to do for some kids, I am now not able to do for all like go on a particular field trip.   The kids understand things are different now but they too miss my physical presence at school more often.

Along the way of the many life changes we have had I had to learn new boundaries and how to say no or how can I help in a different way.  For sure a learning curve for all of us however I was gently reminded when I was cutting out cards for my daughter’s teacher that I can still be involved and make a difference just in a different way now.  Whether you are a working mom, have health issues, a busy stay at home mom with little’s or whatever your circumstances you can still make a difference and help at your kid’s school.  Maybe it is cutting cards, folding papers, organizing staff meals, providing snacks or buying supplies, find what meaningful way  works for you and your family to be involved.