How to set the right tone as new parents

[Anonymous]

Start by observing and getting the feel of the place for a long while before jumping in with suggested changes. Learn the ropes first.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

You should do this in public school as well, FYI.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

It's not "mean" to tell a poster like this that she needs to chill out. It's helpful.

Helpful, really? So when someone tells you you need to chill out, your reaction is "Hey, thanks for that; you're right, I think I will chill out"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

It's not "mean" to tell a poster like this that she needs to chill out. It's helpful.

Helpful, really? So when someone tells you you need to chill out, your reaction is "Hey, thanks for that; you're right, I think I will chill out"?

NP: Yes, I would.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Start by observing and getting the feel of the place for a long while before jumping in with suggested changes. Learn the ropes first.

I was thinking about this.

Constructive criticism often comes across as complaining or a lack of enthusiasm about the new place.

A subset of this is "loopholes". For example, if the dress code says, "boys hair should be short & neat" don't ask how short and if they measure. (Can be applied to a million things...)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Start by observing and getting the feel of the place for a long while before jumping in with suggested changes. Learn the ropes first.

I agree with this. Get the lay of the land. This actually works for anything though, joining a new group of people who’ve been around for a while.