As parents, we often guilt ourselves for not spending more quality time with our children. One way to make up for lost time with your child is to volunteer at their school. Volunteering is a great way for parents to be more involved in their child’s life. Here are some of the top reasons volunteering can be so beneficial!
1. You get a better understanding of how your child is performing at school.
Children spend a great deal of time at school, which is time away from their parents. Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, a psychologist and author of the book, Growing Friendships: A Kid’s Guide to Making and Keeping Friends, said in a recent interview with New York Family that parent volunteers can see get an opportunity to see how their child acts in a different social setting, which can give a new perspective on their social development. “You’ll be able to see how the teacher and students interact, pick up on the atmosphere in the classroom, and perhaps see a whole new side to your own child,” Kennedy-Moore said. “Kids often behave very differently at school. Your chatterbox at home may be on the quiet side at school, or your baby of the family may show an impressive degree of independence and resourcefulness in the classroom.”
2. It helps you to have a better relationship with the school community.
Think of your child’s teacher as their second parent because they play a big role in your child’s development. Working with the teachers and administrators your child sees daily will help you understand their daily activities and curriculum. It will also improve your communication and helps you to gain trust. According to PTO Today, parents who are involved in their child’s education, the parents are more likely to be held in higher self esteem by teachers and have teachers expect more from their children.
3. It motivates children to do better academically.
According to Boosterthon, the more parents participate at school, the more successful their children will be. Research has shown that children of parents who volunteer earn better grades and perform better on tests. When your child sees you invest in their school, it motivates children to do better because they see that their parents and teachers care about their success and they will want to succeed. They’re also more likely to enjoy school and be involved in extracurricular activities.
4. It benefits the school.
When parents are involved, they’re more likely to provide contributions to the schools. Because they are more familiar with the school community, they have a better idea of what should be removed or improved to make the school more successful. Fundraisers also allow parents to provide more opportunities for students who may be not able to afford certain privileges.