If you are really feeling the tug to be more involved on a weekly basis, see if you can work from home one day a week and volunteer during your lunch hour. One mom of two actually managed to integrate a flex day into her schedule so she could spend time at her son’s school.
“As a (necessary) survival tactic, I worked a ‘flex day’ into my schedule: Wednesday. Staff in my office know to avoid scheduling calls or meetings for me on that day,” says Marcie Carson, principal and creative director for IE Design + Communications in Hermosa Beach, California.
“I come into the office for a couple hours, work from home, volunteer at school, do errands, doctor appointments, et cetera. I can work in sweats, maybe even grab a workout. That said, Wednesday doesn’t always remain ‘open’—I probably only get two or three flex days a month—but it helps to juggle it all,” she adds.
For those of you who can’t get to school at all, Margaret says to just try to keep up with the schedule of big events, so your child isn’t left behind. It’s easy to get caught up in work, but be sure that your husband or nanny gives you the school schedule so you know when some parties and events may occur.
“If your kid is young (under six), make sure you take the entire day off on Halloween or for the Mother’s Day tea. There are a couple days a year when all the stay-at-home moms take their kids home after the party and your poor kid is left there all alone after you leave. It’s horrible,” says Margaret, recalling her own experience.
And for those of you who just can’t get to school but want the teachers to know you care, consider sending them a note explaining your workload and then, at some point in the year, send them a little gift of appreciation.
“When you have a minute, go to Home Depot. They have amazing orchids. Buy them for all the teachers; don’t forget the aides. Don’t do it on a birthday or teachers’ day—just let them know you did it because they’re great and you appreciate them. Sometimes happy, appreciated teachers are better off than those [who might not feel appreciated] but have you in the classroom each week,” Margaret adds.
What strategies do you working moms out there have for becoming more involved in your kids’ classrooms? Chime in!
