Updated: Jan. 19, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 19, 2021
Dear Ambitious Room Parents,
I’ve always admired your dedication. The way you organize everything in advance, craft creative gifts for the teachers, and plan unforgettable class parties is truly impressive. But when I became a Room Parent, reality hit me hard, and let’s just say, it didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped.
If you want to go all out on your own, that’s fantastic! Feel free to serenade the teacher with a personalized version of the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and shower them with 12 gifts—just don’t expect me to join in. I’m over the competition of who can give the “best” gift.
When did it become the norm to hand out craft assignments for parents to complete at home for the teacher’s end-of-year gift? Isn’t that what the Room Parent is supposed to handle? I wholeheartedly support showing appreciation for our teachers; they deserve recognition for their hard work. However, the gifts should reflect our appreciation for them and not just showcase our creativity.
Class gifts seem to focus more on “look how creative I am” rather than on what genuinely makes the teacher’s life better or happier. Let’s be real: no one is winning an award for the “Most Creative Room Parent Gift.” I want to give the teacher something they will truly value, not something that will end up in the back of a closet or worse, thrown away as soon as the school year ends.
Four Straightforward Room Parent Guidelines
- Room Parents should refrain from using Pinterest throughout their term.
- Room Parents must not burden parents with additional tasks or projects.
- Room Parents should determine what would genuinely delight the teacher through one of two methods:
- Gift Registry/Wish List: Similar to a bridal registry, the teacher can create a wish list of items they desire for home or school. Parents can contribute funds, and we can select gifts from that list, making the teacher thrilled.
- Survey: Have the teacher fill out a fun survey, like “What’s Your Ideal End-of-Year Gift?” Collect the answers, gather funds, and voila—the teacher is happy!
- Donations for the class gift will be collected through a Room Parent website. This way, you can create a simple site, share the link with parents, and set up a donation button. Much like a crowdfunding campaign, parents can contribute whatever they wish, anonymously if they prefer. No more lost envelopes or awkward cash exchanges at school. Once the fundraising period is over, use the funds collected to purchase that perfect gift based on the teacher’s preferences.
This plan seems efficient and easy, and I’m even considering volunteering as a Room Parent next year! If you’re interested in more parenting tips, check out other posts on our blog, like this one about home insemination. You can also find valuable resources about pregnancy. And for those looking to boost their chances of conception, Make a Mom offers excellent fertility supplements.
In summary, let’s simplify the role of Room Parent to ensure that we genuinely honor and appreciate our teachers without unnecessary stress or competition.