To feel intimidated by the pta group?

[twirlingdancingginger]

My dd has just entered year 1. Last year I was quite absent at school as I was working but now I'm on maternity leave so I have been at school run all week. I'd asked dd's school office about the pta and today she pointed out the main members to me who are obviously all friends and comfortable with each other, but who look very intimidating to me. I'd heard they aren't very welcoming but I wanted to give them a fair chance but now I just feel like sacking it off! Any tips?

[Tissunnyupnorth]

How about not judging before you've actually engaged & not listening to gossip? If you said you had spoken to them and they were off with you, I would have more sympathy.

How do PTA members look intimidating? Were they armed?

[TeenAndTween]

Go up to them and say you'd like to be involved and how should you go about it.

What's the worst that could happen?

All groups of people who know each other and are chatting look intimidating from the outside. Unless you try you'll never know what they are really like.

[mouldycheesefan]

PTA are always desperate for help. It's a great way to get to know people hence them being friendly with eachother.
Approach one of them and ask how you can get involved, or email if you lack confidence to speak in person. They will be delighted to have you!

[BurnTheBlackSuit]

The PTA members being friendly with each other is a GOOD thing. Never join a PTA if they hate each other- they are the people to avoid!!

[MrsPeacockDidIt]

Talking from experience, one reason they might all be friends is because one became involved and begged and pleaded for volunteers and only her friends stepped up. Also if they have been working together for a while you would hope they would be friendly with each other. Give it a go, you've nothing to lose and you might make some nice friends while helping out the school and children.

[ghostyslovesheep]

'where they armed' hahaha!

Look at our school the PTA people are fine but they do think they are a bit special - however they are the ones who turn up at 9am on a sat and stay till 5pm clearing up at every sodding school fate - so let them be a bit upperty - I get to turn up, but shite and go home!

[ghostyslovesheep]

buy shite - I don't but shite - that's not a stall

[mouldycheesefan]

Yes I joined PTA because we were new in town having moved. It was a good way of getting to know people and they were very friendly and welcoming. They can't afford not to be!
Give it a try you have nothing to lose and may make some nice friends

[iloveredwine]

Look out for a pta welcome coffee morning. Ours are always really appreciate anyone who shows that they would like to help. I've been on the pta committee in infant school and you would be surprised what they fund. We are all very friendly.

[nicenewdusters]

They do often look a bit intimidating from the outside, because generally they've become a tight group or were good friends who went into it together. Also, it's often the outgoing, confident ones who put themselves forward and do the public side of things, but most others are just helping in the background.

PTAs are always desperate for help. I agree, just take your courage in your hands and approach one of them. Maybe catch one when they're not in the group, as this would be less intimidating for you.