Last night was Open House at Greenleigh’s school [Read: a night where I spent money on a babysitter to sit in teeny-tiny chairs]. About halfway through the evening, my daughter’s teacher casually said something along the lines of, “and we don’t have a Room Mom for this class yet…”. I instantly averted my eyes. I shifted uncomfortably in my teeny-tiny seat. Suddenly it felt very much like college where the teacher would scan the room for someone to answer a question, and direct eye contact made you a prime target. As I attempted to casually glance everywhere but at the teacher, I thought about how much I never, ever wanted that job.
But then it happened – out of the corner of my eye, I saw not 1, but 4 hands go up in the air. Four women in the room wanted to be Room Mom. Four women wanted to be more involved than me. FOUR.
Wait, there are people who actually want this job?
Now before you think that moms like me – moms who don’t want to be that involved – are the problem, hear me out. Because I do want to be involved. But right now I’m struggling to find the time to initial Greenleigh’s notebook each day. Three letters and I can’t handle it. I find myself initialing it in the dreaded car rider drop off line more often than I want to admit. So typing up a whole newsletter or creating a classroom blog, probably isn’t going to happen. And while I’m all about chaperoning a field trip, the idea of having to send out a mass email to all the parents in the class asking begging them to be chaperones? Not on my to-do list. And although I fully intend to bring in a tasty snack for my daughter’s birthday, I don’t want to make it a regular thing. Besides, after the third or fourth time I hopped the kids up on cookies, brownies, or some other sugary snack I’d surely be overthrown or forced to abdicate. The whole affair is bound to be messy social situation, that should just be avoided. It’s really in everyone’s best interest.
I’m not Room Mom material.
I’m not really sure what they did about the 4 moms competing for the job of Room Mom or if our classroom now has an official Room Mom, I just know that I’m not it. And for that, we should all be grateful.
Anyone out there want to be a Room Mom? Why?
Does anyone out there WANT to be a room mom? Well, I’ve been a Room mom twice–once when Rebecca was in 4th grade, then again when she was in 6th grade. AND–I was also the School’s PSO Vice President when she was in 2nd grade. Now–put a fork in me–I’m done! No more, no way, no how. UNLESS–Rebecca asks me–in which case, I’ll crumble like an overbaked cookie and do what she needs. And I think you would, too, if one of your three asked you to do it. We’re suckers for our kids–all of us. And that’s okay.
I suppose I would cave if she asked me to AND there wasn’t anyone else to fill the position…but I really, really, REALLY don’t want that job. And after all of your years as Room Mom, I think you should be done!
I ran as fast as I could away from the Room Mom job. I just don’t have time for that level of commitment right now. I volunteer at the school twice a week making copies for all the teachers and I’m more than willing to help out with fairs, holiday shirts and play costumes.
Room mom though terrifies me.
It also helps say no because Hayley, my 1st grader, can’t stand to see me leave her at school. So me not being room mom keeps my daughter in school and the drama down to zelch.
I’m with you Felicia! I’m all about helping out and volunteering in other ways (and I’m serious about volunteering to chaperone a field trip – I can’t wait to do that), but to be the teacher’s right hand parent? No, I can’t really commit to that. And while my daughter doesn’t have a problem with me being at school or leaving her, I still think it’s best for all involved that I bow out of the race. 🙂
No desire to be a room mom! I’m on kid number 3 and I haven’t given in yet.
Kristi – I never thought about that! I have to go through this 2 more times with my other kids…and every single year! I hope that there will be (other) people fighting over the position in those classes too. 🙂
I love to volunteer and help out, but on my time and on my terms. I have other children that need my attention and I like to divide it as equally as possible.
Hi! You’re going to think I’m crazy but this is my 4th year (out of 5) as a room mom. At first, I guess I was just excited about my kids starting school and I was a “stay at home mom” (as if that means I had nothing to do at home lol). I think it all depends how the teacher/school defines “room mom.” At my kids’ school it’s not that complicated. Also, from a teacher’s point of view, I can understand how valuable a room mom can be. On the other hand, I don’t judge you for not wanting the job. Like any other job, it’s not meant for everyone. 😉
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