1. People will judge. Let them. You’re the one who stepped up and is taking care of business! So your cupcakes weren’t “on theme” and the craft turned into a gooey, sticky mess. We bet the kids loved that you brought cupcakes and didn’t care they used too much glue for the googly eyes.
2. Suddenly, some people won’t remember who you are. People will turn the other way when you approach because you might ask them to pitch in. Don’t let it get to you. In fact, they should be embarrassed! It takes a village and all that. Breathe and move on.
3. You’ll be gushing and fawning. No matter how easy you make it for parents to sign up to help, they won’t always comply. Remember that scene in Pretty Woman when Richard Gere tells the shopkeeper to keep gushing? You’re the shopkeeper and your parents are Julia Roberts. Gush and fawn over the ones who do help, and make it so much fun that they can’t wait for next time!
4. Glitter is evil. Just. Don’t. Do. It. It will stick to everything on the planet and you’ll be still be cleaning it off your kid’s suitcases when you deliver them to college.
5. Trash will no longer be trash. You will at some point find yourself digging through the trash to retrieve yogurt cups, toilet paper rolls, plastic jugs, or some equally nasty but invaluable item that is critical for the success of your classroom party craft. It’s OK, we understand.
6. Your trunk is no longer yours. How else can you transport the daily flotsam and jetsam that comes with being the class parent?
7. You will hear complaints. Teachers, principals, office staff, kids, parents, and quite possibly your spouse—at some point someone will complain. The best response is kindness. “Thanks for the feedback, so kind of you to share, I’ll be sure to consider your comments” is a perfectly acceptable response to any negative nellies.
8. You will learn some interesting things. “Out of the mouths of babes” and all that. Resist all temptation to share. Zip those lips and throw away the key!
9. Pinterest does not have all the answers. It has ideas, lots and LOTS of time-consuming ideas. Our advice? Keep pinning (like we all love to do!) and then pick the easiest and cheapest craft or snack you can find. The kids will be fine. We promise.
10. This is the perfect gig to rebound from Type A control freak tendencies. You’ll find yourself having to sit back (though it may be hard to swallow) while you wait anxiously to see what “that parent who doesn’t know her mixer from her muffin pan” contributes after signing up to bring “dessert.” All in the name of volunteering, right?
Still reading? Excellent, that means you’re not running away in panic or working on your resignation letter. All joking aside, we think being a room mom is a fantastic way to get involved at school and a relatively easy job (dare we say it!) with the right help. Please join us on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram and let us know how things are going and what we can do to help.
