Did you know that when parents are involved in their children’s education, their children do better in school? Yes, that’s right! In fact, research has shown that when parents are involved, students have higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates. Also, they have better school attendance, are better behaved, and have more positive attitudes toward school. Ultimately, your children grow up to be more successful in life.
As a working mother, how can you become more involved in your child’s school? Here are several tips.
- Attend back-to-school nights, student exhibits, and other school events. Get to know the teachers. Listen to their plans and what they hope to accomplish with their students.
- Attend Parent/Teacher association meetings. Voice your hopes and concerns for your child and for the school. Help organize meetings around your interests and those of other parents.
- Offer to tutor students. If you’re comfortable with technology, volunteer to be a computer tutor for students and teachers.
- Offer to help in the office or the cafeteria or to chaperone field trips and other outside events.
- Agree to serve on parent advisory groups to your school. They may involve everything from school policies and programs to classroom curriculum.
- If you’re unable to volunteer in the school due to your work schedule, look for ways to help from home. Call other parents to tell them about school-related activities, edit the school newsletter, or make educational materials for teachers.
Your efforts to be involved in your child’s school will not only help your child, but also help to make better schools!
Have you ever said, “I want to have it all”? That’s human nature. We want to have a meaningful life – a career, family, friends, and financial freedom. As a young adult, I wanted to do it all and have it all. Being goal-oriented and ambitious, I was anxious to achieve my goals and dreams. I wanted to have it all now! The problem is, we can’t do it all and have it all – at least not all at once. However, we can have it all over a lifetime. That’s an important distinction.
Years ago, a wise woman introduced me to the concept of life stages, which really helped me put life into perspective. At certain stages of our life, certain things are more important than others. And our priorities change over time. For example, as a young adult, I was focused on earning a college degree, and then establishing a career. As single adults, we oftentimes have more time to devote to our career. We’re anxious to prove ourselves in the work world.
Once children come along, everything changes. As new mothers, we find that our time is not our own. Our life revolves around our infant who is totally dependent upon us. When we have young children, they become our focus. Many women put their career on the back burner during this time. They’re willing to invest more in their kids than in their career. Trudy Triner scaled back to part-time work after her son was born. She did consulting work from home two days a week. “That was the right thing for me to do,” says Trudy. “I’ve never regretted it for one second.” As their children grow older, many women put more energy into work and advancing their careers. Finally, once women retire, they have more time to enjoy grandkids, travel, and get more involved in church or community activities.
To apply the concept of life stages: 1) outline your life stages, 2) determine your priorities at each stage, and 3) plan accordingly. As a young woman, I knew I wanted to go into business for myself, but the timing wasn’t right. I had two young children, and didn’t have the time or energy to invest in starting a business. Embracing the concept of life stages helped me be patient enough to start my business when the timing was right. Currently, I dream of being more involved in ministry at my church. However, I know once I retire, I’ll have a lot more time to focus on ministry. By applying the concept of life stages, you CAN have it all – over a lifetime!
The beginning of the year is an excellent time to step back and reflect, not only on the past year, but to reflect on your life. It’s a good time to reflect on your life purpose and how you’re living your life.
Start by reviewing your life purpose or vision statement. Your personal vision gives purpose and meaning to your life. It clarifies your values, and provides focus and direction. If you don’t already have a written personal vision statement, then set aside time to work on it. Finding Your Purpose and Passion in Life is a great resource, which walks you through the process of creating your personal vision statement. This workbook is available at www.YourLifeBalanceCoach.com/products.htm.
Review your personal vision to see if it still reflects your deepest values and priorities. Your personal vision encompasses: what you want to have in your life, what you want to do, and the person you want to be. Ask yourself these questions:
- What would I like to have during my lifetime? (Own my own home, vacation property, a boat, a retirement account, etc.)
- What would I like to do in the course of my lifetime? (Earn a Master’s degree, travel the world, volunteer in a homeless shelter, etc.)
- What kind of person do I want to be? (Kind, compassionate, hard-working, responsible, etc.)
In reviewing your answers to these questions, determine if there’s anything important missing from your vision statement. Do you need to add to or modify your personal vision? Make any edits as necessary.
As you review your personal vision, evaluate yourself. Ask yourself, “Am I living out my life purpose?” If not, are you striving toward it? Finally, consider what you can do this year to move toward your personal vision. Then set a goal or goals that align with your personal vision.
Taking time out to review your life purpose helps you stay focused on your personal vision so that you can live the life of your dreams!