10 reasons to join the Parent Teacher Association

1. Ok, you pay your taxes but budgets at every school are tight. Money raised in school fundraisers is often used to pay for those little extras that can make a school a bit special be it an interactive whiteboard or a school trip to the theater.

2. Knowing that they can (within reason) predict a certain level of fundraised extra income each year will allow your school bursar or headteacher to plan an effective and realistic budget. 

3. Helping at PTA fundraising events helps you get to know your kid's teachers better and understand the way the school works and all the problems, challenges and joys they find in their work. 

4. Being part of the PTA helps you get to know other parents and their children. This is important for school matters but also great for a more active social life!

5. By joining the PTA you have the chance to promote and enhance your school's standing within your local community and with school inspection teams.

6. Although occasionally embarrassed (watch older kids squirm as you talk to teachers and other parents) most children do actually like to know that you are there for them, taking an interest and sharing their experience.

7. Talking to other parents helps you and them. As we all find out, kids don't come with instructions. No sooner do we feel we have learned to deal with one thing and there is something else to address. Sharing experiences and parenting tips helps us all. Often this is as simple as knowing the ratio of 'incidents' and problems in other households. "Phew maybe we're not a 'problem family' after all!"

8. If you work it out, the commitment is not too much with only an occasional evening meeting and the odd summer fete or other school fundraiser. 

9. Everyone has different talents and skills they can bring to the PTA. The best PTAs are inclusive and find ways of incorporating all the different things that people can offer. Your strength may be a fantastic cookie recipe for a bake sale or an ability with something like graphic design or computers.

10. It is actually quite fun to run the "splat the rat" stall at the school fete or watch the kids enjoy themselves at the school disco or prom night. Isn't this what its all about - part of the whole parenting package! 

If you have not yet discovered the joy of helping your school's parent teacher association please think about it. It is a great way to help our schools, our kids and build the sort of communities we all want to live in.