Comments on: No

By: Ali

Ali — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:14:41 +0000

Ugh. Couldn’t agree more. I’m a SAHM with a VERY busy husband – we try to preserve weekend time for the family as much as possible and we are really protective of our limited free time. I feel like all of this running to and fro seems really joyless – are the kids/moms really having fun at the Mommy and Me class, or are they there so that Mommy can feel like she’s “doing something” with her kid?

By: Becki

Becki — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:44:36 +0000

You know what? I’m room parent for two different classrooms, Box Tops for Education coordinator, school cookbook coordinator, bake sale chairperson, and lunch count mom.

I’m also stressed, anxious, and frustrated. I don’t know what I was thinking.

What I’m thinking now, though, is that you have the right idea.

By: cagey

cagey — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:02:13 +0000

Hurrah! My son is just entering the School Zone and I have had to ponder this.

I agree that the family unit has to be 100% strong and the rest can simply come later. Besides, what will kids remember as adults – PTA dinners or nights spent cuddled around TV, books and boardgames?

Just a few weeks ago, I was chatting with my neighbor across the street – her kids are 13, 11, and 9. They are constantly in and out of their driveway going places. She came over and sheepishly said that she loves watching us play in the front yard with our 2 year and our new baby. She said they used to do that “believe it or not”. THEN, she said they actually limit their kids to one activity each. ONE! And yes, she was aware they are still running around alot. We both shook our heads at it.

By: Parenting Sites 411 » Blog Archive » You Need to Read - November 16

Parenting Sites 411 » Blog Archive » You Need to Read - November 16 — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:02:16 +0000

[...] “No” from Plain Jane Mom Blog. This is a big hot-button topic to mothers of school aged children. How much of yourself do you give to the school? Erika says, “Not a bit” because right now she’s focusing on her family. And I think that’s more than okay. [...]

By: shauna

shauna — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:02:51 +0000

What a touching moment! And that takes time and attention to foster. I’m right there with you–family first. Once you get that started you can turn to the community.

By: rachel

rachel — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 04:14:46 +0000

Exactly. I think you just vocalized perfectly for 1000′s of mommies.

Well put.

By: crunchycarpets

crunchycarpets — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 20:37:21 +0000

I am the same….and these days I have two hours 3 times a week to myself…I plan on hogging it selfishly as much as I can.

Yes there is reading buddy days and so on..but with all the kids….I need my time and family time first.

By: Amy

Amy — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 20:10:01 +0000

That’s so sweet!! I hope my children are the same way with each other someday too. I think you’re a great mom from what I read here, you have your priorities right, you don’t overstretch with events and activities and you value the little things that so many parents overlook :)

By: Melissa Garrett

Melissa Garrett — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:40:43 +0000

It’s good that you know where your priorities are. Too many moms over-commit to school and community events, leaving no time for family. Good for you!

By: cate

cate — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:24:11 +0000

wow…what an amazing and touching moment between your kids…and to be able to witness it…how wonderful!

i agree with everything you said. my boys aren’t school age yet, but i can’t see us attending events when it cuts into together time. life’s too short!