Whatever you do don't feel guilty. When I became involved in the PTO a couple of years ago I was stunned by the attutides of some stay at home moms who wouldn't be flexable to hold meetings in the evenings. Not all are like that mind you, but this past year the than current President would tell me that she didn't expect me to be a morning meetings because I worked! I know that our principal is happy to have anyone help, anyway they are able. So try to seek out other parents who are in the same boat, and see what you can do.

I'm the new Pres this coming year and one of my goals is to give everyone an opportunity to participate, anyway they are able.

Family, School, Country in that order for me. If it means volunteering less and actually working more, than so be it.
Dont get on yourself for being a good provider and volunteer.
Just because someone has less time to volunteer dosent mean they've lost the quality.
Whether its and hour or 15 min that can be volunteered, I'd take the 15 min, if it meant more parents could volunteer.

A lot of kids arent as lucky as yours, because of all you do.

Never, Never feel gulity that you need to work to provide for your family! As long as you are involved in THEIR lives, that's all that counts. PTO/PTAs are great don't get me wrong, but what is more important is that you are there every day for YOUR children. It sounds like you are making the right choices.

Yes, some of us maybe luckyer (sorry about the spelling), then others, but that can also change the next day. Keep your head up and keep going.

It's really great for those of you who have such great bosses who allow you time for these things. It's just awesome for those of you who can actually schedule work around pto. I, unfortunately, do not have that option anymore. In the past I have turned down paying work when I needed the pay because I felt obligated to be at pto stuff. I've had to stop doing that and work whenever I can get it. It will be the same this year. In the past, I had been made to feel that it is my sole responsibility to hover over every aspect of our PTO. I no longer feel that way. The comment was made to me after being asked to run again that if I was going to work that I couldn't run could I? WHAT???? Not sure what that meant. But, they didn't want to run either. I refuse to feel guilty over needing to work and not being at sno cone day or santa' shop. BUT, I probably will!!! I believe someone else said that being a Mom means feeling guilty. Well, PTO Mom must mean super guilt! ha We shouldn't feel guilty or feel like we are "shirking our responsibilities" for needing to help out our families financially. I'm certianly glad that this doesn't seem to be the case for most of you. Hopefully, we can start making changes in that direction. Like you said, library mom, at least I'm involved and that's supposed to be what we are about. Not how many hours I've logged or how many events I presided over. I amy ecstatic about stepping aside and letting someone chair a committee and gain experience and maybe want to be an officer in the future. That, too, should be what we are about. As dedicated as I have been and want to remain, I would gladly hand over the reigns to a willing person.

[ 06-07-2005, 10:46 AM: Message edited by: ptohyeah ]

Goalie, Michelle, and LUV, I have to totaly agree. My job is also flexible and understanding thanks to some wonderful bosses.

I also come home fix dinner, fix lunches, iron clothes, feed the dogs, pay the bills, and feel like I do everything, but that's life for now.

As far as lunch breaks, I also do non-perishable food shopping, running errands, make phone calls, etc. But then again that's having a great place to work and the understanding of my bosses.

My house looks lived in, floors need to be washed, laundry needs to be done, etc. but it's not dirty, just lived in.

Well such is life and at least I'm involved in my children's school years, not like my parents.

I am a full tiem beautian, President of our elementary school, and come home to a full time job. It is very stressful. This past year our Vice left half year so I did her job too.