Not only schools. It is always same parents who provide transport to sports that the children play too. When I was young my parents only had one car. My brother and I both played sports. Luckily we had “away” matches on different weeks. Mum and I had the car one week. Dad and my brother had the car the other. Mum couldn’t go one week and had to ring around to get somebody else to take the team I was in as Dad was in hospital and wasn’t able to take us either. Mum’s substitute never volunteered to give any of the drivers a break.

I think if you have the time it means a lot to your child if you help out but it’s also very hard when you have younger preschool aged kids and can’t make it to the school.

I do 2 days a week in the canteen. Plus I’m available for school excursions and sports events. It’s so much fun being out with the kids, makes me feel young again

yes it does take so much effort! it can be hard to be available when they need help as well

You don’t have to do it unless you want to. You’ll find a lot of parents work during school hours and it is those who are a bit more flexible with their hours who can go into the school to help.

This is so true. It happens in any club! I do a small voluntary activity every fortnight. I travel 30 kms to an old folks home and play the piano and they have a sing song for 1 hour. They all enjoy it and I love doing it! Some people have asked me why do you do that WHEN YOU DONT GET PAID FOR IT? I just say I get pleasure out of it and do it because I love it and they scratch their heads!

That is a wonderful thing you are doing, and mum like me who would love to help but can’t not “THANK YOU” for doing it.

I am planning on helping out at my sons school but it will be in two years time when all three kids are thre so i have the time to do it. Also so then i can attend the sessions you have to attend before helping out at the school. But it good mums like you who help the school run smoothly and just know other people say thanks…….

I do 1 day a week in the school library. I used to do tuckshop but days changed and could no longer help with that. I do when I can but yes, it does seem to be always the same people.

I would try to get some more volunteers. There should be not expectations with volunteers. its always great if you can help but you shouldnt feel bad if you cant help or feel expected

I would speak to different parents and ask for more volunteers so you don’t feel so overworked. Parents volunteering at their children’s schools are doing something wonderful for their kids and communities and that work should not be undervalued. It also shouldn’t feel like more of a responsibility for some parents than others so I would speak to the school about finding more volunteers and allocating times fairly.

Good on you, you amazing mummy! I wish I could get out of work to volunteer more at school. I see mums like you there, week in, week out, and I am very jealous but also very proud of your commitment. No school would survive without its dedicated parents who selflessly give up their time for the kids

What a wonderful thing you are doing! I cannot wait till my children are at school age to volunteer. I guess it also comes down to many parents must work full time to financially survive. Take pride in knowing you are a wonderful asset to your school and you are truly valued

I love meeting others this way.

It makes it very hard for working mums to help out good on you for helping but you should never feel like your expected to help

that’s very good of them, my friend is like that but she doesn’t work and loves doing it

I would love to help out more, but illness prevents me. I’m grateful to those who do.

Same at every school and every organisation that I have ever volunteered at. It is always the same people over and over volunteering and helping out. Some people just never have the desire to do anything to help others and yet these seem to be the first to complain when nothing is being done. Be proud to be one of those who does help and know that you are wanted and very much appreciated.

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  • • curlytops replied
    • 05 May 2015 , 11:08 am

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  here here! It is always the same people who do the majority of the work. But I think the more you put in the more you get out and in this case you are helping the school which benefits the children and making new friends along the way. win win situation!

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    • • mom57522 replied
      • 04 Jun 2015 , 9:14 pm

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    I’ve found that as well. The first to complain are the ones doing nothing!

I think that is the same in every organization that requires volunteers – although in saying that I help at the school on committees etc but am not seen at the school during school time as I work full time.

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 01 May 2015 , 10:08 pm

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  Volunteering does take many forms and a good point about all volunteering not being seen.

It is often the same people; but something that I love doing.