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Oct 28, 2009 7:57 am US/Central
The Importance Of Volunteering At School
(WCCO)
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When they get to middle and high school, remember that children see school as their turf and not something to be necessarily shared with their parents. (File)
CBS
Parents get a lot of requests for their time and money to help out at their children's schools. They volunteer helping out in the classroom, chaperoning field trips and sometimes even donate supplies.
A new poll by Harris Interactive finds about 53 percent of parents plan to give time in their children's schools. That number is actually up from last year, when 44 percent of parents said they planned to volunteer.
For parents also working fulltime outside of the home or taking care of other children, it can be difficult to find time to help out. But, even a few moments can make a big difference in your child's life and there are ways to get the biggest benefit from the time you're giving.
Judy Galbraith is a former teacher and publishes books with Free Spirit Publishing for schools and parents. She says you really need to tailor what you're doing to the age of your child.
"For the younger kids you want to be seen," said Galbraith, "helping out in the classroom or in the lunchroom, wherever it might be."
When they get to middle and high school, remember that children see school as their turf and not something to be necessarily shared with their parents.
With those older kids you need to really gauge your relationship and how embarrassed they'll be seeing you at school.
"You may want to be more behind the scenes, fundraising or planning special events," said Galbraith, who also recommends looking at what you're good at and enjoy doing when you're looking at volunteering opportunities.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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