I am one of those parents at school. You know the ones. Always in class helping with groups, on the canteen, sending e-mails to organise events, in the uniform shop, on the cake stall. The list is endless and so is my ability to seem to always be there as the smiling helper, never letting my children or anyone else down.
Well, I am almost broken. The smile is wearing thin. Maybe you need to know what I am really thinking.
Don’t get me wrong. I love to volunteer and that is why I do it. I enjoy being part of my community, of doing my part and teaching my children about service to others. I have met some fantastic, giving people. Many are very grateful for the roles I play, especially when times are hard for them. I am so glad to be able to support other parents at those times.
Sadly though, we too often use up those who are prepared to do their bit as we expect too much and stretch them to breaking point. As one of these parents, I have turned a terrible corner this year and now I am resentful. Resentful of the expectation that I will always help and resentful of my own goals going unmet as my volunteer burden has become too great.
There are a few points I would like to make to those who have pushed me to this point:
1. I do not volunteer because I have nothing better to do. I am a highly qualified professional who has more than enough to fill a day twice over. I feel like I want to put this on a t-shirt or at least a badge.