Parents who work

[Debra]

Today I was spending the day helping out at my kiddos teachers. During lunch, I got into a discussion with this one mom. I don't know her that well outside of school but I really like chatting with her! She is very intelligent & matter of fact on a lot of topics. I'd say 99% of the time, we are have completely opposing opinions. But she is wonderful to "debate" because she is well spoken. She isn't rude with her opinion nor does she try to force her views on anyone!

Anyway, long story short....we got into a discussion about parents who work. Actually it wasn't just about parents who work per se but more about parents who work while their kids are in school. Her vice is with parents who never take a day off to help out with fundraisers or PTA or even just volunteering in the classroom. She thinks it is beyond ridiculous that they won't take one day off from work. I pointed out that a lot of time, parents need to work & that they can't afford to take a day or even a half of a day off. She then asked about why can't they work a few extra hours here & there & then take one day off like once a month. Then they can be there for their children as well as their teachers since every bit of volunteering does help! She says it does bother her to see parents who do not volunteer at all & use "work as an excuse."

What are your thoughts?

[Cherrish]

Hmmm...I think for parents who have the option to work, its hard to see that other parents simply cannot afford to take the time off from work.

But...I think that if you can't take the whole day off, you could do something an hour or two a week to help out.

[Bex]

i work...but i make the time to attend school events for zoe, even if it means getting to work at 6 am so that i'm off by 3pm or arranging to work half days and what not... IMO, even if it means missing out on $$, my daughter comes first and if we were in a position where we needed the $$ THAT bad, we'd skimp on something else to ensure z's event got the attention it deserved

[Brandi]

Hmm... I don't know. I guess that's one of the main reasons why I don't want to work full time, ever, even when my kids are in school. I think attending school functions and being very active in their extra curriculars is very important. So, hopefully, I won't ever have to work full time.

That's obviously not an option for some, especially single moms and such, so it's not fair to say that every mom should do that. I do think if you can be involved, no matter how small, you should be, even if it's slightly inconvenient

[PrincessBlue505]

She then asked about why can't they work a few extra hours here & there & then take one day off like once a month.

But not every job has that option. And for a lot of parents, even taking a day off hurts too much financially.

Now for those who work to make EXTRA money or just because they want to, I agree with her. It's not fair to put all the responsiblilty of the PTA and volunteering to those who choose to stay home with their kids (and are possibly missing out on those more expensive cars and stuff to do so). It's beneficial to their child and I think some parents just forget that and focus more on the $$. However, some of these people who are working by choice also may have inflexible jobs too.

It's really hard to say without knowing individuals jobs, employers policies, and individual situations in terms of why they're working....

[KissTheRain]

Originally Posted by Debra Today I was spending the day helping out at my kiddos teachers. During lunch, I got into a discussion with this one mom. I don't know her that well outside of school but I really like chatting with her! She is very intelligent & matter of fact on a lot of topics. I'd say 99% of the time, we are have completely opposing opinions. But she is wonderful to "debate" because she is well spoken. She isn't rude with her opinion nor does she try to force her views on anyone! Anyway, long story short....we got into a discussion about parents who work. Actually it wasn't just about parents who work per se but more about parents who work while their kids are in school. Her vice is with parents who never take a day off to help out with fundraisers or PTA or even just volunteering in the classroom. She thinks it is beyond ridiculous that they won't take one day off from work. I pointed out that a lot of time, parents need to work & that they can't afford to take a day or even a half of a day off. She then asked about why can't they work a few extra hours here & there & then take one day off like once a month. Then they can be there for their children as well as their teachers since every bit of volunteering does help! She says it does bother her to see parents who do not volunteer at all & use "work as an excuse." What are your thoughts?

I oppose...I work (well i will be) and I am the secretary of the PTO at my son's school. I dont think you have to take a day off to volunteer. I make newsletters, take minutes at meetings, and help PLAN fundraisers. But I will be able to work withought jepordizing that too.

[s. rosa]

Originally Posted by Brandi Hmm... I don't know. I guess that's one of the main reasons why I don't want to work full time, ever, even when my kids are in school. I think attending school functions and being very active in their extra curriculars is very important. So, hopefully, I won't ever have to work full time. That's obviously not an option for some, especially single moms and such, so it's not fair to say that every mom should do that. I do think if you can be involved, no matter how small, you should be, even if it's slightly inconvenient

ITA.
i don't have kids yet, but i do believe that if you can be, even if you have to make some sacrifices like the ones previously mentioned, it's worth it.
on another note, if you really really can't afford to take time off, sometimes offices don't let you come in early to get off early, or work later one day to take time off the next. my old office didn't, they were very very picky about being there precisely at eight and leaving precisely at five. so maybe it's just not an option for some moms
i don't think they should be judged if they really can't do it. it doesn't mean they don't want to be involved, or are maybe doing things at home to make up for it.

[s. rosa]

oh and if none of that made sense i blame the cold medicine!

[Sarah]

Well, I am lucky to have a job where I work 9-1. After work I volunteer in my daughter's class on Friday afternoons, or I can help out in Noah's class. Some jobs make it very difficult to let parents off early, so they can make it to a function. I have always made it known to my employees that my kids come first, and I have been let go from a job because of that.

I think a parent who works full time can be active in their child's school. They just need to find the happy medium. There are a lot of things parents can do to volunteer when it comes to book fairs, fall festivals and activities that are after school hours. Personally, I get sick and tired of other parents who constantly put down the parents who can't always make it to the functions, because they work full time. Some people don't have the luxury to not have to work, and I don't think parents who work full time are any less of a parent.

[Sarah]

Also, I think these parents need to look at the parents who don't work, sit home, and chose not to be involve in their childrens activities.