For many working parents, volunteering at their child’s school simply isn’t realistic. Work schedules, long commutes, childcare responsibilities or personal preferences can make spending a weekday morning in a classroom difficult or impossible.
A recent Business Insider essay from a mother of a 9-year-old daughter challenges the idea that parents must volunteer at school to be considered involved. After trying to volunteer during a school field day, she realized it wasn’t for her and felt that keeping some distance allowed her daughter to develop independence.
“I don’t volunteer at my daughter’s school. It’s better for both of us,” the mother writes. She says she remains involved by talking with her daughter about school, attending parent-teacher conferences and supporting her education at home.
What Does It Mean to Be an Involved Parent?
Being involved in your child’s education doesn’t necessarily mean becoming a classroom volunteer. Research identifies six types of parental school involvement: parenting, communication between home and school, volunteering, learning at home, decision-making and collaboration with the community.
That means working parents can play an important role in their child’s education without ever signing up for a field trip. Helping with homework, communicating with teachers, discussing school experiences and encouraging learning at home are all meaningful ways to participate.
This broader definition of parental involvement can also take some pressure off families. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between keeping their jobs and being supportive, engaged parents.
How Working Parents Can Stay Involved in School
If you can’t volunteer during the school day, look for opportunities that work around your schedule. Parents can contribute supplies, help with schoolwork at home, participate in occasional evening events or join parent organizations when their schedules allow.
Small, consistent routines can be just as valuable as volunteering. Ask your child about their school day, review assignments together, read with them, communicate with teachers when necessary and make an effort to attend important performances, conferences and activities.
Ultimately, being an involved parent isn’t measured by how many hours you spend inside the school building. For working parents, showing interest, providing support and making time for your child’s education at home can be a powerful form of school involvement, too.
