Hi, when my kids were young I tried to sign up for things that interested me or that I had skill in doing.l  always wanted to make sure that I didn't sign up for too much and prevent others from having a chance to volunteer. Enjoy this time, it is fun to be an involved parent! My kids are in 10th and 12th grade and I still volunteer at the school, just not quite as much!

I'm working on that right now, too. Now both my kiddos are in the same school (4th & K) so I think I can do more. In previous years, I'd only done a minimum of volunteering because it was like I had my hands in two cookie jars. What I've noticed at my girls' elementary school is that it's mostly the same moms doing all the PTO stuff -- and I think they like it that way. :0/

I've been a PTA President twice...new blood is always good in this group because it brings new life to things. There are a variety of volunteer options within the PTA from committees to Box Top Chair to simply, coming in and helping a class. I found it flexible and a great way for me to be at school for my child's lunch, help in the classroom and get acquainted with teachers. Volunteer for what interests you and share your talents with others. There is so many opporutnities I know you'll find what works for you and your family.

I've been a PTA President twice...new blood is always good in this group because it brings new life to things. There are a variety of volunteer options within the PTA from committees to Box Top Chair to simply, coming in and helping a class. I found it flexible and a great way for me to be at school for my child's lunch, help in the classroom and get acquainted with teachers. Volunteer for what interests you and share your talents with others. There is so many opporutnities I know you'll find what works for you and your family.

I've been a PTA President twice...new blood is always good in this group because it brings new life to things. There are a variety of volunteer options within the PTA from committees to Box Top Chair to simply, coming in and helping a class. I found it flexible and a great way for me to be at school for my child's lunch, help in the classroom and get acquainted with teachers. Volunteer for what interests you and share your talents with others. There is so many opporutnities I know you'll find what works for you and your family.

With my first 3 I was ultra involved. I mean president of the parent volunteers, ran all the book fairs, school board, VP of PTA, Class parent and more. With my younger 2 it is different. I went to a PTA meeting and no one even attends any more. I volunteer in the class with some teachers once a week but I am at a different place. I am building my business, my blog and work from home. I learned that I don't have to be there all the time.

I want to be involved this year too. However, I am trying to figure out what would be the best approach. My schedule is already hectic with two school age kids and one who isn’t. I said I would do PTA, but I don’t want to disappoint if one of the other kids need me for something.

I help out at school but not on the PTA.  I still have one at home during the day so it makes it harder to volunteer.  One year I did reading groups with my son's class once a week and it was great.  Last year I had less time so I did some prep work for teachers at home or would stop in to the school to do it for an hour or so when I had time.  Our school PTA has easy online sign-ups for things like selling popcorn on Fridays. Start with some easy stuff before making any big commitments! 

I tried to volunteer for things I would enjoy. I figured if I chose things I didn't I usually don't do a very good job at it. I was more involved when they were little, before I started working FT.

I just agreed to manage the Destination Imagination team at my daughter's school. This is a whole new world for me! This will be the most involved I've every been...gulp. But they were in danger of losing the team altogether as they had no manager and my daughter LOVES it. So there you go.