Life, Kids, and Laughter!: Volunteering and Judgement!

So, I volunteered at Sam's school for the first time this week. I LOVED it! I really liked the feeling that I was a part of his school and his education. I think that when parents are involved in their child's education the child really, really benefits. Your child sees that you think education is important, plus when you are around the school more often, you have a better idea of what goes on there. I also think its important for the teachers and staff to see that you care and that you are more aware of what happens at school. I have witnessed the importance of this first hand when I worked at a school.

Well, my job was to work the PTO table (also known as the PTA). I made sure the families had the school calendar and the school info card. I also gave out fliers about the PTO and tried to get people to sign up to volunteer. Boy, did I feel like a salesman! I had a whole little spiel about the PTO and the volunteering. I think I did an ok job, as I like people and tend to interact well with them (which is why I was/am? a social worker). I really don't like having to "hawk my wares", it makes me feel uncomfortable, but I can do it if that's what's asked of me. What was really interesting was people's reactions to the PTO table. Some people didn't even glance at me as they stalked by (obviously too important to waste time talking to the chipper redhead with the overly bright smile). Others listened to my pitch, we're polite and acted interested. The ones that really bothered me, were the moms that obviously looked down at me - a mom on the PTO volunteering at her child's school. You could tell this from the condescending look and the smart aleck smile hovering on their faces. Most of them looked like they were on the verge of actually laughing at me when I mentioned the PTO. It was obvious that they felt the PTO was a joke and I was one of "those housewives" that has nothing better to do than be on her child's PTO and run the school bake sale. Can you say annoying??!? You know what though? I am ok with it. I am confident knowing that I probably have more education that most of those bitter women and more kindness and happiness too. I am a housewife and hear me roar!! It makes me happy to stay home with my kids, take them to school and pick them up, volunteer at their school, and generally devote my life to raising them. I don't judge working moms (as I was, in the not far past, one of them) and wish more women would stop judging each other. Just do what's best for your family and what makes you happy!!

I have included some pictures of our most recent nature walk. I mean, if you are reading this blog, you probably know that I have adorable children and love sharing their cuteness with others :)