Does your preschooler like it when you volunteer at their school?

[Anonymous]

My almost 4 year old does not seem to like it when I come to their class occasionally, to volunteer at an event, read to the class (as part of a volunteer thing), etc. - this is very infrequent, maybe once every other month. They look confused/generally weirded out to see me, and sometimes cling to me like they are anxious - it’s like I’m throwing off their school vibe or something. Does this happen to anyone else?? It makes me feel bad!

[Anonymous]

If they don't like it, then don't do it. You are a parent - you belong at home. They would be weirded out the same amount if their teacher was at their home. That's a teacher - they belong at school.

[Anonymous]

My kiddo sometimes was very shy almost embarrassed acting to see me, but overall happy and I'm glad I was there.

[Anonymous]

Yes, our boys liked it. OP are you being "extra"

[Anonymous]

For my two oldest, they were obsessed with me coming in.

My two year old was shocked and actually didn't talk the whole time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they don't like it, then don't do it. You are a parent - you belong at home. They would be weirded out the same amount if their teacher was at their home. That's a teacher - they belong at school.

What a weird answer. I'm sure they asked for parent volunteers. This is common.

OP, if your kid is 4 I would casually ask them how they feel when you volunteer at school. At a neutral time when you haven't just volunteered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My almost 4 year old does not seem to like it when I come to their class occasionally, to volunteer at an event, read to the class (as part of a volunteer thing), etc. - this is very infrequent, maybe once every other month. They look confused/generally weirded out to see me, and sometimes cling to me like they are anxious - it’s like I’m throwing off their school vibe or something. Does this happen to anyone else?? It makes me feel bad!

Are you overbearing and embarrassing the child?

[Anonymous]

OP here - I am definitely not overbearing or extra, I’m pretty quiet actually. I didn’t think kids got embarrassed at this age but maybe that’s it. He is definitely on the shy side generally speaking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they don't like it, then don't do it. You are a parent - you belong at home. They would be weirded out the same amount if their teacher was at their home. That's a teacher - they belong at school.

Weirdo.

We were at a co-op for preschool where the parents were required to help in the classroom.

[Anonymous]

Mind didn’t seem to mind even into late elementary school. Ask them about it. Talk about it. If they don’t want you there, then why not? Be curious.

[Anonymous]

My kid loves it when I show up or volunteer since daycare. He still loves it now when he is at 3rd grade. I don't have much time, so i don't volunteer much, maybe 1-2 times per year max. If they don't want it one day, I am fine not going with no hurt feeling.

[Anonymous]

You clearly have not bonded with him properly. Get both yourself and him into therapy stat. All the best!

[Anonymous]

Do you take them home when the volunteer time is over? They may just be thrown off from the change in routine from typical drop off and pick up time routines. For some it is easier when they are a bit older.

[1SWMom]

My daughter loves that I am at her school all the time, however she is naturally clingy anyway and depending on how her day is going and how tired she is when she sees me she may go into meltdown mode and not want me to leave.
I’m her emotional safety person, why wouldn’t this be the case for a 3 yr old in a new big school figuring things out. 💛

[Anonymous]

In PreK my kid was completely overwhelmed by his school and home worlds colliding. It was too much and he would cry hysterically if I was there anytime outside the normal drop off and pick up times. The change in routine was alot. He grew out of it and loves when I come in now.