I Can Do That! 10 Reasons to get involved in your child’s activities

When my first child started kindergarten, I volunteered to be the editor of the school newsletter. I knew it was a big undertaking, but volunteering in that capacity opened a lot of doors while supporting the teachers, staff and parents who educated and influenced my children. It was a win-win for everyone.

Consider volunteering at your child’s school, for sports teams, scouts, clubs, church groups or other extracurricular activities. Organizations need your time and talents, and volunteering provides a backstage pass to part of your child’s world that you may not otherwise have access to. Not convinced? Here are more reasons to get involved in your child’s activities.

1. See and be seen. When you spend time at school or extracurricular activities, teachers, coaches and staff get to know you and your children a little better and you get to know them. It also provides a first-hand look at how your child interacts with others and who their friends are. Getting to know other children typically serves families well in the years to come, and in a variety of ways.

2. Make connections to your child’s day. One of the benefits of volunteering at school is that you become familiar with the people, places and policies of your child’s day. You meet teachers’ aids, see the silly hat the librarian wears during story time, and understand how bathroom breaks work. You have a better understanding of your child’s day when she talks about it (or not).

3. Build your social network. As a volunteer, I have worked with dozens of parents over the years that I would not have known by only attending Open House events. While spending time on a committees together or working at family events, some of us formed bonds that led to wonderful friendships, even after the kids moved on to different friend groups.

4. Time is money. If you can share your talents—graphic design, culinary, sewing or organizational skills, accounting knowledge—then the school, foundation or PTA doesn’t have to use their limited funds for certain jobs. More money can go directly to the kids and their experiences.

5. They can’t do it without you. Big school events require dozens and dozens of volunteers. Not only are people needed the day of, but also months in advance for planning and fundraising to make it all come together. These events are so fun! They offer another great way to meet other neighborhood families.

For groups such as recreational sports teams and scout troops, groups can’t form or meet without someone to lead. Consider volunteering— or partnering with another parent to share the responsibility.

6. It looks good on a resumé. For parents who take a break from professional endeavors to raise a family, don’t overlook the importance of including years of volunteer experience on your resumé. If and when you return to the workforce, time spent as a committee board member and in positions of leadership hold value with prospective employers. Even if there is no break in your employment history, volunteer time may open doors and provide an edge.

7. Open new doors. You never know who you will meet or what connections you will make as you meet others in the community. You may discover a new job, a new interest, or a stepping stone into something else. A friend of ours volunteered as a soccer coach, having played in high school and college. He forgot how much he enjoyed and missed the game; he became a certified soccer trainer after his son moved on to pursue other interests.

8. Learn new skills. A neighbor who had a daughter in the marching band volunteered to help with uniforms, mending and hemming as needed. She had always wanted to learn to sew; time spent with experienced band moms allowed her to try it.

9. Set an example. In a recent conversation with my daughter’s softball coach, she mentioned that the only kids who help carry equipment and clean up without complaint are kids of travel coaches. Work alongside (and in front of) your kids so that pitching in comes naturally to them.

10. It feels good. You have a sense of belonging to a community of people who have a common bond or goal. Giving time is a precious gift—sometimes more precious than writing a check—but all of it helps, so do what you can. The memories you create with your child and for yourself will last a lifetime. v

Pam Molnar is the mother of three and an avid volunteer. She is proud to have served as a newsletter editor, room mom, Girl Scout leader, religious ed. teacher and soccer mom.