Do You Think Volunteering is Important Where Your Children Are Concerned?

I enjoy volunteering. I especially enjoy it when it involves my children. I've been blessed in being able to stay home with my children so that I have this opportunity. When my kids were in preschool, I volunteered when I could. I served on the Parent Advisory Council; I rarely missed a fieldtrip, etc. My kids like knowing that mom is going to be there and I like being there too.

Now, that I have both kids in school all day I'm able to help a bit more. I help in my son's class each Wednesday and in my daughter's class on Fridays. I look forward to this time. I also help out any other time there's a chance to help. I really enjoy working with the kindergarteners and the first graders. I also enjoy the smile my kids get on their faces when they see me walk into their rooms. I think one of my favorite things about volunteering is getting to know the other children. When your kids talk about others kids they are friends with or hanging out with you want to know who they are and what they are like. I know when they are this young it's not as important, but I still like knowing.

My daughter decided she wanted to be in Girls Scouts this year. I took her to the meeting and signed her up. Then we found out that the girls get put on a waiting list and if or when a troop comes available they'll stick them somewhere. So here my daughter was all excited about becoming a girl scout, only to find out that she had to wait. Another mom and I decided that instead of making the girls wait we'd start our own troop. I had no idea what I was getting into! As much as I didn't want to take on the role of Daisy Troop Leader I felt I had to. I wanted to do it for my daughter as well as the other girls whom were all waiting to be placed somewhere.

This has been one of the best things I have ever done! We have gone from ten to fifteen girls in a month and a half! I get to watch my daughter have fun and grow at each and every meeting. I get to see her interact with the other girls and she feels more comfortable having me there with her. I know all parents don't have the luxury of volunteering, but I'm glad I've had the chance. It's very important to me as a mom as well as to my children. Volunteer if you get the chance. It just might change your life!