Note before we start this article: I know there are room parents. Sometimes there are very excellent dads that step up to the plate. That is awesome. I also know that is 2% of the time and that 98% of the time there are very wonderful moms living up to their Room Mom title. For the sake of this article we will be praising them. Please know this includes any room parents and room dads as well.
Preschool has brought many awesome new people into our orbit. Teachers, aides, coaches, and administrators… and the room moms. As far as I see it, there’s nobody more deserving of some praise than them.
Room mom tasks vary from school to school. Some take care of teacher birthday gifts, plan the class parties, help the teacher prep arts and crafts, decorate the classroom door, and plan for teacher appreciation week. And some do ALL of those things. They make sure the teacher feels supported and the parents feel included in the classroom. Often the room moms serve as a representative on the PTA as well. That’s a tall order considering how much every parent already has on their plate each and every day.
They take on many invisible tasks that keep our classrooms feeling like a community. In a world where we’re all too busy to take on one more thing, they always say yes and step up to make things happen. Three cheers for the room moms!
How can you support your room mom? It’s easy! These tips might seem like no-brainers but we mean it that they make all the difference!
- Answer the emails: Your room mom will send out requests, reminders, and updates. Read them! Respond! Keep in communication.
- Sign up for things: If volunteers are needed or snacks requested, sign up! And don’t wait until the last minute.
- Say thank you: We all know a simple moment of praise goes a long way. Thank your room mom for all they do. And do it often!
Are you thinking about signing up to be the room mom? It’s a great way to get involved with the school and meet other parents. Here are our tips!
- Get a partner in crime! Make things easier and a bit more fun by having someone be the co-room mom with you.
- Meet with your teacher at the beginning of the year and get a feel for what they need.
- Use technology to your advantage! Keep a spreadsheet for class funds in google sheets. Gather party supplies and volunteers via SignUpGenius. Create a shared site on Shutterfly for easy photo sharing and calendaring.
For all those Room Moms that come before us, and those next in line – THANK YOU!
This post is sponsored by Lake Forrest Preparatory School, an organization whose mission we love. We are proud to partner with companies that provide such incredible services to local families. Thanks for supporting companies that support Momlando.
Lake Forrest Preparatory School aspires to create an atmosphere where school is an extension of the family: a school environment where teacher, parent, and student interactions involve solid connections, enriching lessons, and responsibility on the part of all three participants. Throughout preschool, elementary, and middle school, LFPS instills healthy choices and character education. Located in Maitland, LFPS is a private school for families throughout Orlando looking for community and a top notch education.
