The K5 - elementary education for parents

Written by Lauren Barack

Field trips are one of my favorite ways to volunteer for my daughter’s class. While a busload of 29 singing, sometimes nauseated 1st graders might not be the way most people think of spending a day off, I think it’s great — as long as you follow some fairly simple rules of etiquette. (Oh yes, those rules can apply to field trips too!)

First of all, while it’s completely okay to expect that you’ll get to buddy with your child for the day, a few other kids are likely to be assigned to you as well. While spending a school day is special for you and your child, pay some attention to their friends as well. That means if you’ve packed an extra snack for your child in the paper bag lunch — bring a few extra cookies for your buddies of the day too.

Second? No skipping off with your darling daughter to the gift shop and buying her a stuffed Shamu. Are you planning to buy one for the rest of your charges? Not likely, right? And the teacher is hardly going to appreciate you disappearing from the rest of the group. (They get a little nervous when they can’t locate all the kids!) Keep the shopping to your weekend visits to the zoo, and stick with the crew.

Third? Don’t disappear yourself. Sure all the kids may seem laser-focused on that IMAX flick about the Arctic. But the minute you slip out to grab a latte at Starbucks around the corner and answer some emails, one of them is going to get scared or need to go to the bathroom. And the teacher’s going to be looking for your help so she doesn’t leave the other kids alone. If you can’t promise to be aware and present, step aside and let another parent join for the day.

Finally, think about something to help the teacher. I always offer to buy cups of coffee for her and any other adults on the trip — if we’re all eating lunch and in a cafeteria where they can see me, find me and grab me. Sure, maybe it looks a little like I’m sucking up. But it usually insures I’ll get asked to come on the next one — and since I know these days are going to fly by, a few bumpy school bus rides, and some trips to the little girls bathroom are well worth it!

Lauren Barack, parent and business and education reporter, is a contributor to The K5.  She has blog about the trials of motherhood,MothersOnTheVerge.com