so the end of the school year is upon us
(my craziest season at work)
and with end of the year parties, I’m begging for relief
those of you without school aged kids may not have experienced the Room Mom Syndrome (RMS)
Room Mom Syndrome is a name I made up
for the olympics of Competitive Parenting
Case in Point: One of my children’s Christmas (it was referred to as Winter Celebration) party
had a hot cocoa bar with mix and take home option
complete breakfast with bacon, waffles, blueberry muffins, various juices, and of course fresh fruit
I’m sure the teacher appreciated the warm syrup that the 22 kids helped themselves to
I was given the task to unroll cotton balls (really I’m completely serious)
then I was to help children stuff said unrolled cotton balls into pine cones
that were later adored with glue and glitter
there was a book exchange
three other crafts and a Christmas card making station and several other activities
including tree trimming and carol singing
I’m all for merry-making
but school parties should not involve 42 item supply lists
and then additional monetary contributions for the “fun”
Just this week, we’ve been asked to supply the following for end of year festivities by persons suffering from RMS:
gummy worms
cool-whip
pillow case
fabric paint
money for a sun visor
school supplies for intern’s gift
cash for end of year class gift
breakfast/lunch bring in sign up
flowers on Monday
alphabet coordinated gift bag goodies for teacher
healthy snacks (but with mass appeal but be mindful of allergies)
for our children who already eat breakfast, snack from home, lunch, and now additional snack for testing
Yikes, could I please sign over my tax return, bypass the mommy guilt,
and skip the 58 trips to Wal-Mart?
And for the people with RMS, it is primary school end of the year….
save something for that Harvard Graduation party or
the royal wedding- I’ll bring the pine cones.
Disclaimer: I too have previously suffered from Room Mom Syndrome, change is possible!
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