Home room moms... any party/ organizing suggestions?

Question

I have been home room mom for 3 years now... any home room moms or school parents have any advice on how things work best for them?

For parties, would you rather send money in for the food/craft to be bought or donate an item?

Why is it always the same parents who choose NOT to respond/participate... don't they realize that the homeroom parents have to pick up their slack... whether it's money for a teacher gift or grabbing an extra 12 cupcakes?

What's the best way to approach a parent like this? I have tried sending reminders home, calling, emailing... I feel like a stalker, but it isn't right if all the families don't participate!

Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks.

Answer 1

There are a lot of families who simply CAN'T participate.  They can't donate items because they're scraping by, and they can't donate their time because it's used up working.  

There are other parents who COULD participate but choose not to...because they know you'll pick up the slack.  These parents are the ones you just have to put up with if you want to continue to provide parties and crafts for your child's classroom.

Class parties are by no means a necessity, so it's not the end of the world if they're not as fabulous as you'd like them to be.  As an elementary school teacher, I greatly appreciate the parents who can afford to donate their time and money to make the school year extra special, but we can get by without parties if need be.  There's no need to stress yourself out in making it perfect.

One solution you could try would be to divide the tasks up throughout the year.  Instead of asking everyone for items for each craft or party, ask half the parents to help with the Christmas party and the other half to help with the end of year party.  If they know they won't constantly be asked to buy things, they might be more apt to help out.

Answer 2

I've been the room parent for both my sons classes over the last three years as well.  I see it differently though.  I do agree there are some parents that always choose not to respond or participate... but I don't feel the need to pick up the slack.  Whatever I collect for a gift is what they get.  If a parent chooses not to help out in the class, I feel bad for their kid, but there are always plenty of other parents that want to help out.  I think you need to realize - some parents work and don't have the time to help out, and also families are at different income brackets, and while to me it may seem like "whats the big deal to chip in $5, or get those extra cupcakes", but for some families that is a stretch for them.  I don't think all families have to participate.   IF you want to great, if you don't, thats fine too.  I never single them out and if we present a class gift its from everyone, regardless of who contributed.  I don't think its a big deal.

Answer 3

It also isn't right that you try to create extra expenses for families.  It is school, not fund the way your way.  Not everyone is as fortunate as the next regardless of their abilities and they most likely work harder.  Leave those parents alone, it's embarrassing enough not being able to donate, it makes you feel horrible especially when it's pointed out.

Answer 4

You are always going to have some parents that are this way.  I may not be that they don't want to help but they can't afford to.  I always left it open when my daughter was in school some parents like to bake and send things in other aren't the best of cooks and like to donate money to help out with the parties. Either way just remember its not the childs fault what their parents do.  Maybe you could let the kids make something to eat at the party in class and use it as a project.  I'm not sure how old the kids are but there are alot of things they can make with out actually have to cook.