The Kindergarten Wall

The kindergarten wall has been the project of the week.  I've been coming home with painted hands and knees and wondering how it all happened.

It turns out that Sunday is the 30th Anniversary of my son's school.  And the parent committee is taking it very seriously.  You would think the Pope was coming for a visit the way they've been scheming, scrambling and highlighting notes.  They have worked so hard to prepare for the big festival that I'm kind of wishing I'd been here all 30 years to truly be "in" on this whole thing.

The funny thing about parenting is the different theories that people subscribe to.  There are the moms who are amazing never-ending sources of support for every kid activity out there.  These parents are wonderful and they're clearly needed for these kind of events.

My cousin recently posted something on her Facebook wall about what a wonderful organization the PTA is.  But because I'm "the other kind" of parent, I spontaneously threw up in my mouth a little bit.  Moms like me don't join the Parent-Teacher stuff.  Moms like me don't care about crepe paper or coordinating a charity drive.   
 

Don't get me wrong.  It's not that I don't want to help, or I don't want nice things for the community.  And I most certainly do want to be involved in my child's education. I just want to know how much I need to give for whatever, where I'm supposed to sign, and what time I'm supposed to be where they tell me. 

I don't want to make the decisions, I don't want to fight with other mothers, and I can't take the responsibility of being the one who makes sure there's enough chairs for the grandparents to be seated during the singing program.  Even typing that sentence makes my blood pressure skyrocket.

So every once in awhile, to make up for the horrible slacker that I am, I make a grand sweeping gesture that takes many hours, but leaves the place a little better than how I found it. 

The irony of this project is that as a foreigner, I didn't know which building was the kindergarten when I first came here.  So even though this wall was a lumpy un-even horrible nightmare to try and spray-paint, and even though I had to fend off a couple dozen German children heckling me as I worked, I am proud that the place is now clearly marked as the village kindergarten.

And the cake?  Special delivered by none other than a member of the school's parent committee!  Bless those other kind of mothers!  Did I eat all three pieces?  Damn straight!  Rest assured I'm doing my part to find common ground between the mother camps...

Comments

[Andria]

'But because I'm "the other kind" of parent, I spontaneously threw up in my mouth a little bit.' LOL! Love it! I will be curious to see which parenting camp I will fall into when my girls are in school. I WANT to be the PTA type, but I've heard enough about the politics to give me pause! Nice work on your project!

[Rebecca]

I'm the same way- I don't like to plan or give directions. Tell me what you want done or give ne a list and I will comply. Are you done ? Can't wait to see the finished product! And yes, I would have eaten all of that cake too- you need your energy don't you? :0)

[Chris]

Oh, I am with you, young lady! Hear, hear! Be the kind of parent you are! Embrace your not-over-committing-and-then-winding-up-exhausted-and-resentful !

That group, by the way, is the NOCATWUEAR group.

[Linda]

There is always a place for "the other kind of parent". We are the backbone and sanity of the group. While the organizers are running around in a panic, we are the calm in the eye of the storm. Tell us what you need and we are there for you. There always has to be the "other kind of parent". You are in the right place at the right time and Lars is the better for it. Thank goodness, also, for the cake makers.

[Skytimes]

Nice job!And I bet the Donauwelle was yummy... :)

[Mary]

Kindergarten is such a fun age...just enjoy doing and being there for your son and don't worry about crazy group politics...yum, the cake must have been good :)
Mary

[lee]

I was remembering when my daughter was in school, I was not a PTA mother, I went once and was totaly out of my element I never went back, but when they needed someone I took my turn, I love the pics of you stencilling,

[Janet]

I had to laugh at 'But because I'm "the other kind" of parent, I spontaneously threw up in my mouth a little bit.'....that sounds just like me when my kids were in school! I was never one of the PTA moms but I tried to help out in other ways. I think I inherited it because my mom was the same way.

[Anke]

I know what you mean....I have Kindergarten kids as well.....:)
Okay, now I want to see a photo of the whole word!!!! LOL! Looks like you had 'serious' fun. The world need color!!!!!

Smiles, Anke ;)