Volunteering at your kid's school can take many forms.  You have your overzealous, sign up for every committee (or hell, just be the president of the PTA as I was) types; you have the phone it in and just show up with paper cups for the holiday party variety; and you find a majority of parents falling somewhere between the two.  But regardless of the frequency (or intensity) of the volunteer efforts, many parents I've talked to have wondered how - and if- their efforts are really benefitting their kids.  Is running the school fundraiser the right thing to do when your kids are in 2nd grade, or would you be better off helping to carve pumpkins in the classroom? Should you volunteer to chaperone at your tweenager daughter's school dance or would it be better to keep a safe distance and maybe work in the library because you know that everything you do seems to annoy her?  

If you're like most parents, you haven't thought proactively about the real return for your kids on your volunteer investment.  But now you can, because the ever wise Sue Shellenberger at The Wall Street Journal tackled this subject and broke down the best ways to get the most bang for your volunteer buck with this helpful guide to volunteer jobs that will best benefit your kids: 

1) When your kids are in elementary school, volunteer where they can see you.   

The experts will tell you that it's GREAT for your kids to see you in the classroom.  While it's still good to donate your time to the library or the school office, when kids are in elementary school, it's better to be scissor and glue stick in hand at the art table or in the circle at reading time.  The benefit for you (the parent): you get to know the teacher and classmates better and the chance to wax nostalgic for the simplicity of your youth.  

2) When your kids are in secondary school, volunteer when you can best learn about the school from the inside out - the curriculum and classes. 

Middle schools vary widely, but in a majority, you'll find that parental involvement decreases dramatically yet parents still want to and are encouraged to volunteer in different ways.  Often it's the school that might have less opportunities, but more often it might be the middle-school-age kids who DON'T want their annoying or embarrassing parents within ten feet of them.   Don't despair - you can and should stay involved, but in more of a "coaching role" - helping kids stay on the right track, pick the right classes, navigate their social lives and learn about time management.   Along the way, you'll get an insider's view of how the place works and how your child fits (or doesn't) fit into the bigger picture.  Common wisdom: stay close, but not too close.

3) In High School, use your volunteer efforts to set a good example for you kids, so they can see you walk the walk and then follow your steps.   

At this late stage of the game, it's harder to stay involved but no less important.  Your kid's school is a community and by participating in this community, you're setting a good example of doing your civic duty and being an engaged and compassionate person.  The research shows that kids with parents who volunteer are much more likely to volunteer themselves so what better way to ensure that your child will learn the importance of giving back than to give back yourself.  

All in all, volunteering at your kids school, regardless of how it's done is a win win for everyone.  But with a little awareness and planning, the return can be greater for schools, parents and most importantly, kids.  

For another take on PTA moms, read this: 

- Creative Moms aren't PTA Moms by our friend Michelle Lamar at White Trash Mom