I’m feeling a little like Brittany Spears right now, before her breakdown. “Oops, I did it again.” I’m the Room Mom…again. I’m a glutton for punishment. I’m not the kind of mom who enjoys volunteering in the classroom. I don’t like kids, but I do like a good party. Decorating cookies or playing games with a bunch of elementary kids is not my idea of a party, but I can throw it down anytime and anyplace. I love the misconception that comes with being the room mom. First, I don’t have all the time in the world. It’s a priority. Secondly, I ask for help because I cannot do it on my own. I’m trapped in a room with a bunch of kidlets amped up on sugar and just excited about the day. Think back to when your child is bouncing off the walls over his/her birthday…now multiply that by 30. Lastly, I ask for a donation because I need it.
Think of it as a way of saying thanks to the person who is planning, caring and sharing time with your child. I can’t tell you how many noses I’ve blown, tears I’ve wiped and messes I’ve cleaned up. Be careful of what and who you talk about in front of your kids. Their mouths are like volcanic eruptions because things just spew out everywhere leaving a path of destruction. I’m not easily shocked, but it has happened. Every year I ask myself…why do I add this stress to my life? It’s simple; I like knowing the kids. One day I’ll look at back at these kids and say, “I remember when that kid snotted all over my favorite shirt.” Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, lesson one…never wear anything cute because it will get ruined. The other reason why I do this job is to remind me I will never become a teacher. I only have the kids for a short amount of time, and that’s enough for me. Because, there’s not a suitable amount of money, corporal punishment (oh, wait that doesn’t exist anymore, maybe it should) or love in this world for me to be anything other than a Room Mom. Elementary school goes by so fast. I’m okay with hanging out with your precocious little rascals for a couple of hours.
