Reconnecting at school: Where does time go?

When school started, I intended to do so many things for my kids. Among them: Get back to being involved in their schools.

And here we are, two weeks before the first quarter ends, and I've missed a school meet-the-teacher event, failed to reached out to any of the parent clubs, and have yet to even make a donation — unless you count that box of tissue.

Being a working parent, time isn't always my own. I love my work. I also love my family. I do my best to balance, but it isn't easy.

My kids have been understanding — maybe too understanding. Hmmm. Guess that's expected as they are now in high school and junior high. But I like staying involved. You get to hear a lot from other parents about students, teachers, and — yes — other parents.

I've been feeling guilty about my lack of involvement this year. The insider info, I think, becomes more valuable as they hit the teen years. At least I know where they stand on grades thanks to the web.

When I start sulking, several mom friends quickly prop me up, saying I'm being too hard on myself. They are right. But at the same time, it's not like I can repeat any of these lost years.

So moving into the next quarter, I've set a few goals for myself to feel more connected to their schools:

-If I can't physically be there, I need to at least touch base by email with teacher to find out if they need anything. I shall find out if there's something I can do from home on the weekend, or provide other classroom support.

-I need to meet more moms for coffee and school updates. So while I might not be able to physically help the school, at least I'll get the insider reports on weekends.

-Make sure to include all school events on my outlook calendar, and set email alerts from their schools. Sticking stuff on the refrigerator doesn't work. And expecting that my angels will tell me about event changes...well, that's taking a gamble that they won't forget.

Cheers!