Last week I shared part one of this post — some guilty feelings I had and many others have when it comes to volunteering for school fundraising.  I promised to help you alleviate some of that guilt this week, so here you go:

Here’s a tip:  We have to stop being so worried about what other people think and do what feels right for us.

Some parents read every parenting book on the market while others go by instinct.  Some parents give an allowance for chores and others expect their kids to help out because it’s what you do in a family. Everyone parents differently and whatever way works for you is all you need to focus on.

 Do what makes you feel good.  Don’t do something because other people make you feel like you should. My grandfather used to say, “Don’t let anyone ‘should’ on you!”  That was good advice.

All parents feel guilty at different points with their kids.  We want to do so much for them and give them everything.  When we can’t, we feel like we let them down.  Whether it’s a class we can’t afford to give them, time we don’t have to spend after a long day at work, or volunteering in the classroom. There will always be the overachieving parent who does EVERYTHING!  They have their own issues that they are dealing with and guilt for something that you may never know about.  I know for me, I can’t keep up with those super-parents, no matter how hard I try.

 Here’s the bottom line:  Some parents will judge you, but hopefully not anyone that really KNOWS you.  Who cares what anybody else thinks.  Believe in you!  We all do the best we can for our kids.  For some, it’s writing a check to help fund an art teacher; for others, it’s baking cookies for a PTA meeting or bake sale.

I do feel guilty sometimes that I can’t do more. I have to be constantly aware not to judge myself.  This helps me to remember that I have no place judging anyone else.  So even though I try not to “should” on people, I will offer this extra tip:  You “should” do only what you can and you “should” always remember that it is enough.

Take some deep breaths!

Sarah

Sarah has been fundraising for schools since 2008.  She is the author of A Mom’s Guide to School Fundraising and has consulted for several schools and clubs.  She has been featured on US News & World Report, RetailMeNot.com, Scholastic: Parent & Child and The New York Times. She thinks all kids should be able to have a well-rounded education, team uniforms, instruments and support.  Don’t you?