PTA Rant

For goodness sakes, if you're going to get offended, stop reading NOW!

But I just have to respond to KSL's article about "Are Schools Asking Too Much of Parents?"

I was so irritated over the article after the news last night!

I am personally struggling with PTA and volunteering and this just LIT my dry tinder.

The premise is that PTA's / School's are needing help and not getting it.

For example, a woman needed help with Mom's and Muffins and only had 2 committed volunteers.

They were going to have to resort to tougher tactics by making PHONE CALLS to ask for help.

The additional issue is that only the same handful of volunteers are ever helping.

I realize that when you are in the middle of being in charge, things feel the way that was presented in the article. 

But I think that some of those same old PTA ladies are to blame.

Yes, I've now offended you -- I'm sorry, but not.

Because sometimes when you aren't willing to CALL people and ask them to help, or take a chance on their skill set, you are closing yourself off to be in that same little group.

My personal journey this year has been one of asking to help, repeatedly, and being turned down, repeatedly. 

I can only assume that the job I do for PTA has not been 'good enough' and they are turning me away.

I went and got a job -- where they do appreciate what I do, and do accept my help.

I can readily give you names of other mom's who try to help, were made to feel inadequate and no longer help.

And I'm not being passive about this -- I have worked hard to volunteer, to try to fit in, to feel good about myself by giving service, to show my children I care by being there.  But there are just some moms who make you feel like crap.  And then they complain that they are the only ones doing stuff.

AAAARRRGGGHHH!

I realize that these mom's are good people, doing good things, wanting to help.  And I realize that they are oblivious to what they are doing. 

But you're kidding yourself if I'm going to take them on and tell them what they are doing.  These moms can be a little high strung.

And I know that several of you readers will think I'm the pot calling the kettle black.  But I really do try to accept all help offered, make people feel like they belong and help them feel good about themselves.  I know I don't always succeed either.

I think we all just need to realize that people want to be included. 

I think we all need to realize that there will always be someone else to take our spot when we need to step down.  Maybe there will be some interim chaos, but that's okay.  The next group of ladies need to learn and feel important too.

And I think that we should realize that being at every activity and being the sole supporter of that event does NOT mean you love your kid AND my kid more!

Thank you for the opportunity to rant, and I'm sorry if I offended . . . . .