How to set the right tone as new parents

[Anonymous]

As new parents, I want to make sure we're adding to the community, not detracting from it.

Any things to add and/or change from this list?

-Show up.
Attend events, accept invitations, be present.

-Be positive.
Avoid negativity, especially around the school and people relate to the school.

-Offer up.
Volunteer time. Participate in fundraising drives. Host playdates.

-Be kind.
Display kindness in public and model kindness for your child behind closed doors as well.

[Anonymous]

This is a wonderful post to read, OP. We all try to do this -- I'm an elementary school administrator. Additionally, I'd like to suggest that when things need further explanation, please go to the office, admissions, new teacher, etc. instead of kvetching with other parents. There's so much information we try to communicate to new parents and sometimes it could be conveyed more effectively and sometimes new parents just simply miss it in the 'firehose of info' coming their way.

[Anonymous]

Be less intense. I would steer clear of you if you displayed this type of breakdown in person.

[Anonymous]

Agree with above. It’s really as simple as getting involved with activities. No need to make a task list.

[Anonymous]

Add: "Post less on DCUM."

[Anonymous]

Don't ever complain about DEI propaganda, or pushing of the LGBTQ agenda. That will get you in hot water in DMV private schools, as they mostly lean Left.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be less intense. I would steer clear of you if you displayed this type of breakdown in person.

That's cool. I itemized just to keep spouse and I on the same page.

Feel free to stay clear, we don't sound like a great match.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't ever complain about DEI propaganda, or pushing of the LGBTQ agenda. That will get you in hot water in DMV private schools, as they mostly lean Left.

The LGBTQ "agenda?" Seriously?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be less intense. I would steer clear of you if you displayed this type of breakdown in person.

That's cool. I itemized just to keep spouse and I on the same page.

Feel free to stay clear, we don't sound like a great match.

I'm with the other poster. You need to chill out. Just live your life girl.

[Anonymous]

Why are you posting in the private school forum specifically? Do you think you need to conduct yourself differently as a parent and member of a school community simply because the school is private?

Weird.

[Anonymous]

I think this is lovely, OP, and as an introvert with social anxiety who loves lists, this is something that would help me feel less overwhelmed in a new situation.

I agree with the administrator above that when you do encounter questions or concerns, just nicely speak with the staff rather than festering over the problem with other parents.

You seem like you will be a wonderful community member for your child’s school!

[Anonymous]

It’s odd that you would actually have to write this out. These are all pretty common sense items, not things one would have to consciously remind themselves about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think this is lovely, OP, and as an introvert with social anxiety who loves lists, this is something that would help me feel less overwhelmed in a new situation.

I agree with the administrator above that when you do encounter questions or concerns, just nicely speak with the staff rather than festering over the problem with other parents.

You seem like you will be a wonderful community member for your child’s school!

Such profound advice! Why didn't I think of this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why are you posting in the private school forum specifically? Do you think you need to conduct yourself differently as a parent and member of a school community simply because the school is private?

Weird.

The OP might be responding to the multiple threads on this forum of people who want to leave their private schools because the community didn't live up to their expectations.

Or maybe OP is just nervous because they don't have friends already in the community or for some other reason related to coming into a new environment.

[Anonymous]

I will never understand why people feel the need to be mean when they could just ignore