I would love to participate more at my boys’ school but this working mom just can’t catch a break! Do you feel the same being a working parent? Sometimes I think it really sucks! Sorry to be so harsh about it, but I too want to partake in these social morning breakfasts and lunchtime assemblies but I am in my own classroom with my own students with no time for my own kids! This doesn’t help my “Mami Mojo” either since I usually look like an absentee Mami in the eyes of my boys, especially my youngest!
If I decide to go to these events that seem to only cater to the schedule of non-working parents, I must take a day off of work. I can’t take days off every time there is an event because they are quite often and who can afford that much time off? Just last month the principal of the school tried something new and I was ELATED–I mean jumping off of my classroom walls when I saw that the Leadership assembly was going to be in the afternoon. This meant that I could go… I was able to put in a request to leave work early (still suffering the dock in pay) and it meant the world to both me and my son that I was able to be present.
During the assembly, even though it was crowded, I did hear whispers of parents complaining about the time. I, on the other hand, was super excited about it. I was able to witness my youngest receive an award for outstanding leadership qualities and his expression was priceless. As a working parent, these are memories that will live with me for a lifetime and parents who work should be able to witness these momentous events just like the non-working parents.
I truly believe that there should be two time slots for every event. The events should always take into consideration those parents who can attend during the day as well as those who are only available in the evening. There is a difference between the parent who just doesn’t want to attend and those who simply can’t so, to accommodate those who really want to be there, there should definitely be a choice. We should not have to miss something that our child has accomplished simply because we are also trying to provide for our families. Working parents should never be forgotten but instead, be commended for making it all work and remaining right by the side of their child and supporting their success.
Care to share: If you’re a working parent, do you have difficulties with these time issues in your child’s school?