Wow, what a nice husband to be so concerned! I think we all go through some of this from time to time, that's why this discussion forum is such a good idea. I guess the way I try to deal with difficult people and situations like this is to always remember why I'm involved. If you keep that thought at the forefront and remember that you're doing this for your kids then the pettiness of others can be more easily overlooked. I always try (although I'm not always successful!) to look at the big picture, but I agree it can be hard. Chin up and recognize that there are others who feel the same way you do.
Wow, it looks like we are in it for the long haul. I got until 2022! I've already done 7 years. I actually took a break last year. I guess I should say I started to take a break, but it only lasted 2 months!
Stick with it, find a sounding board, it's worth it!
I meant 2014 in that school so that means he won't graduate high school until 2021! I think it's so much harder to do elemantary PTO than at any other level because of the intensity of the children and the dramatic changes that can be seem as well as there are a greater pool of parents as the kids move on to other schools. Right now I feel like I'm fighting my own personal battle to make sure my kids have the best that I can give and I feel this extends to PTO and I am so happy that every here feels the same way and I wish more parents at my school could have 100th of my passion to the kids and teachers and school. And to mykidsmom, I've had several staff tell me that I'm the only one that will listen to them and work towards what is needed. The Principal hates me but is learning that I'm keeping lots of people happy just with kindness so she has to deal with me and I'm hoping I rub off on her so we don't lose 2/3 of our teachers again at the end of this school year. So Mom's and Dad's, keep up the good work, whatever it may be and know you are definately not alone!
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
You sound just like my wonderful husband! He was so mad last night with an e-mail I recieved in response to a message I had sent the school. The Elem. Principal basically told me to mind my own business and what was I doing trying to solve the issue. It was just an FYI.
Listen, care, ice cream, hugs and let her know how much YOU appreciate what she is doing for your child(ren). If I didn't have his support I don't know what I would do. I even thanked him in the PTO newsletter for all his support during our last Teacher/Staff Appr. BBQ.
If you are anything like my husband, you would like to go in there and give them all a piece of your mind, please don't because you might need the strength to help with homework, dinner, laundry.....
Thank you. Your post really, honestly, was so nice!
I think I'm going to go call mine and tell him thanks....... [img]smile.gif[/img]
It's so hard to go into something with such good intentions and have people knock you down at every turn. I've been there and it was frustrating and painful at times. what helped me get through was having wonderful friends and fellow members who felt the same way I did about what was important for our children. They backed me, cheered me on, and picked me up when I felt down. Your wife needs to find those like minded individuals and band together with them. She also needs to(and this will be hard at times)ignore the negativity and power hungry attitudes of those who give her a hard time. If she presents something to the membership and they vote it in, then she has succeeded in moving your group forward. Those naysayers may whine, gripe, and criticize, but it is the majority that rules in a PTO. If she wants to talk more personally about issues, I'd be happy to listen. Just e-mail me.
