To think SAHMs at my school don't pull their weight?

[Donningflakjacket]

Our school governing body is struggling to find someone to take over as chair, because we are all working mums or dads who find it hard to find the time to be a governor anyway, never mind the extra responsibilities of chair. There are NO SAHM on the board of governors and no SAHMs have even put themselves forward in the last 3 years - even though about 20% of the school are SAHMs.

Why are none of these people prepared to do their bit to help the school educate their child? They are more than happy to moan when the school doesn't do something well but not prepared to actually take some responsibility.

And also, if you are a SAHM don't talk to me about the pressures of work when you have no idea! And especially don't talk to me about pressure of work and then expect me to run round sorting costumes and presses for a night out.

Ok, rant over. You can throw your biscuits now.

How do people know that SAHMs have the time? How do people know they don't work from home around school run hours? Or have extended family to look after/drive around/shop for?

Oh I know, Nesta. But having been back at work FT for several years, I really have forgotten what being a sahp (or indeed the parent of a toddler) entails - I wonder if the same is true of the OP?

sitdown I don't think that should be contentious at all. And the third point is utterly reasonable - spending many, many hours in pointless meetings at work, if I had a break I don't think I'd fancy spending more hours in more pointless meetings

"Some of them don't have the confidence to put themselves forward.

Some of them don't have the skills to perform such a post successfully."

The same could be said of some working mums.

Totally agree with you sitdownpleasegeorge You should see the PTA type Mums at the Maths workshop Very competent, degree types. I work but, I was really embarrassed when I had to do the Maths. I think it's just luck. If the OP doesn't like it she should just not join in! Right off to get stuff to make cakes for the School Xmas Fete ops! and collect my kid Thank god I'm nice to have friends of all sorts FT,SAHM PT and shocking of all friends with no Kids!

Exactly Nesta - that would be me.

I personally don't think that your points are particularly contentious - I was thinking the same thing on the 1st 2 points.

However, I would say that they apply just as much to a working parent as to a SAHP. I should imagine if you worked in a shop for example, or were a train driver or something else in no way office/admin type work, you might feel exactly the same.

Sorry that was to Sitdownpleasegeorge.

Notevenamouse

The OP is referring to SAHMs not working ones so I've answered in connection with SAHMs.

A chair needs to stick to the agenda don't you know !

I was sticking to the agenda. The point was how do you even know that a SAHM is not working or two busy caring for the elderly. Bossy boots ! Do you have a clipboard ?

I know this is off-topic rather and haven't read the whole thread, but I often wonder why the PTA at our school don't just ask for a set cash contribution per year per family (obviously not from those who can't afford it). I would pay good money to avoid the constant requests for cakes, help with stalls etc. (and then actually having to pay at the events themselves). I'd much rather just pay upfront.

And what really gets my goat is the value-destruction exercise of the cake sale.

Ah well at least it's not my school as I just tried to be a parent governor and wasn't elected.

Must be my hologram who helps at school two mornings a week as well.

(Have failed to read thread but just annoyed me a bit)

Doesn't teach the children much about being part of a community all working together for a common goal does it, MrMagoo?

If you don't want to contribute, don't bother. Just put a tenner in the envelope and give it to the school everytime they ask. Job done.

Am mostly SAHM of course.

I am a SAHM with 3 children (5.0, 3.4, 20 months). The 5 year old has SN and goes to Special School.

I am a RN by profession, but the 5 year old's SN makes returning to work improbable.

I am on the Partnership Board of a Children's Centre (chair)

I am on the Management Committee of DD2's preschool (chair)

I am just in the process of becoming a Parent Governor of DD1's Special School.

I am DD1's full time carer. I also care for two other family members (shop for them, deal with paperwork, etc).

I am a busy person. I am a SAHM.... I don't drink coffee.

If I were in your shoes Lougle I wouldn't drink coffee either. I would have to receive it intravenously (in which case being a RN would come in handy...)

Referring back to the OP, surely SAHMs would only not be "pulling their weight" if there was some rota which they were always pulling out of & letting others down.

sitdownpleasegeorge, that's not contentious, it's patronising shit.

I agree with jenai, how do you do that without coffee Lougle

It's not patronising, DontLet. If a sector of a community aren't as involved in something as one would like, it's reasonable to ask why (hence the OP) and reasonable to make suggestions (hence sitdown's post).

To be honest, it keeps me sane My brain can only cope with so much Cbeebies

MrMagoo Isn't that called 'school fees'?

If the governing body is full of people as charming as you are, I cannot imagine why you are having a hard time recruiting.

OP - I won't talk to you about the pressures of work as I have no idea. What is it exactly? I've never had a job and do nothing all day every day.

You are clearly hurting inside about something. Do you need to talk to someone?