Being a PTA volunteer leader is a a super hard! And chances are, you’re making it harder than it needs to be by making a huge mistake. For reals.
How’s that, you ask?
Easy! You’re trying to be Super Woman. You’re trying to do everything yourself. Because you’re good like that and probably can. But after a while. It’s going to be all too much. And that’ll be a terrible place to be, right?
You see, a PTO isn’t a party-of-one sort of thing. It’s more of a together-we-can sorta thing.
Now listen up for a second. I’m not preaching what I practice, I’ll admit, but I am getting better at it. And this is why I know you’re making the same mistake too. But it’s time for me to change. You can too. Here’s how!
Plan ahead
Yep, in order to have help doing anything, you have to plan out what needs to be done. Then it’ll be possible to get others to help get the mission done. Don’t make the mistake of trying to do things at the last minute just because your schedule’s packed. It’ll be too late for anyone to help you if you wait until the last minute!
Ideally, you want to be planning at least 3-6 months out. And if that’s too overwhelming, then start with the next month. The key to success in PTO land is to have a plan and then execute that plan. Pull out your calendar, be it digital or the old fashioned paper kind (my fav!) and see what you have going on and what you need to get done to make it all happen.
Want a cute printable planning tool? I’ve got just the thing! Scroll to the bottom of this post to snag one!
Bust out tasks that can be delegated. Can your hubby make dinner happen a night or two? Can the grandparents cover running kids to activities one day? What can another PTO volunteer help you with? This isn’t about doing it all yourself, so stop trying!
Where to find support
Now when I talk about support, it’s not about looking for couch to tell your tales of woe and have a pity party. It’s more of having people who understand what you’re doing, that can offer a laugh, a suggestion and maybe even some constructive criticism.
Sometimes you can find this support from fellow volunteers and sometimes not. And same with your spouse. They may need a break from all things PTO too!
My husband is super supportive (he stepped up to be Treasurer when we needed that role filled for one of my PTAs), but he also knows that sometimes I give a little too much of myself and my schedule to PTA stuff. So sometimes when I need to vent, I choose not to vent to him since I already know what he’s going to say!
Is there a teacher or staff member that you’ve made a connection with? I’ve had a kid at my youngest’s school for 7 years now and I’ve made some super awesome connections with a whole bunch of people. I’ve grown pretty close to the school principal too. We got each other because we worked so closely together when I was President for two years.
Not that I spill the beans about everything that is going on because not everyone really wants to hear about the latest PTA drama-trauma, but sometimes I give them the general low down and they give me their best advice, or just listen without passing judgement. And that’s usually enough to keep me off of the ledge of insanity. Try it and see how it’ll work for you!
If you’re interested in getting more support then you ever imagined, come and join my free Facebook Group just for PTA/PTO Leaders!
Watch this!
Over to you
Now that you know what a huge ole mistake that you should be avoiding as a PTO volunteer and leader, I hope you’ll take this information to heart. Changing your generous and admirable ways is going to be hard, but do-able!
