Spend Time at School

I have found that volunteering at school is beneficial for the entire "school experience" (for both parent and child).  I have volunteered in the elementary school library since my oldest started Kindergarten.  I also help their teachers as needed (with copying or whatever task they need help with). 

Volunteering gives me a great  appreciation for how the school "ticks" and teacher expectations.  It shows the teachers that I care and want to support them in a way that aids them. And my daughters see I care and want their school experience to be  a great one. 

When I worked full time, I spent an hour a week at the school.  As I started using flex time and part time, I would allocate a day during which I spent part of the day at school.  Now that I am a "stay at home" mom, I still allocate 1 day for volunteering.

I have found that volunteering does not have to stop when the kids move on to middle school.  There are lots of opportunities to volunteer in middle school.  I spend a morning each week, working in the library.  I am able to observe the kids and teachers using the library.  It gives me a better feel for how the Middle School "ticks" and a better understanding of what my daughter's school environment is like (without being intrusive).

Take the time (even if it is just 1 hour per week), VOLUNTEER!