5 ways to get involved with your child’s school when you don't have a lot of time

Of course, you want to be involved at your child’s school. Why wouldn’t you? You want the teachers and staff to know you. You want to help out, and you understand the importance of involvement. Even studies say how important it is. The National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools states, “Regardless of family income or background, students whose parents are involved in their schooling are more likely to have higher grades and test scores, attend school regularly, have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school.”

But with only so many hours in the day filled with a job, family, activities, and sports, finding a meaningful way to be involved at your child’s school can be a challenge. There are ways, though, that you can still be involved, get to know the teachers and staff, and help out while working full-time and parenting. Here are my top 5 Ways to Get Involved with Your Child’s School- Even When You Don’t Have Time.

1. Learn everything you can about your child’s school. Read the website (in fact, bookmark it), newsletters, and handbooks. If you can attend the Parent Teacher Organization or Parent Teacher Association meetings, do so. One of the benefits coming out of the pandemic is these are often now remote and can be participated in from home. Go to or watch the School Board meetings (more about the importance of this later). Set up a Google News Alert for the school and district so that you keep up to date on anything major. The more you know about your child’s school, the more ways in which you can champion your child’s learning experience there.

2. Attend meetings and events related to your child. Make sure you make it to parent-teacher conferences especially, and if you can’t make it to the times they have available, reach out and ask for other options. Know when performances and award ceremonies are as far ahead of time as possible (you can probably find them on the website or in a newsletter). Mark these on your calendar and make every effort to attend. If you can’t make it to an event because of another unavoidable commitment, try to have someone attend in your place. Even a neighbor or family friend can make your child feel special and demonstrate to the school your involvement in your child’s education.

3. Be positive about school, teachers, and education at home. Your child watches and learns from everything you do, so set an example as a positive learner and school citizen. Although there may be times you are frustrated with the school or your child’s teacher, it’s important you model respect and support at home. By doing this and promoting the value of learning and school, you will be helping your child develop a positive relationship with the school, which will benefit your child and you in future interactions with the school.

4. Think outside the box about volunteering. Not all volunteering needs to be done at the school or during school hours. Ask your child’s teacher or the school’s office staff about helping from home in the evenings–making phone calls, editing the website, or even helping write the newsletter might fit into your schedule better than helping during the school day. Also, be willing to volunteer in spots you might not see your child or your child isn’t involved in. Can you help in the library even if it’s not your child’s library day? What about the school play, even if your child isn’t a performer? These events can be a great way to demonstrate your desire to be involved and get to know school staff, teachers, and other parents with whom you might not normally interact.

5. Contribute in other ways to your child’s school and/or classroom. On average, teachers spend $459 per year (and this was pre-inflation) on school supplies from their own pockets. If you can supply extra boxes of Kleenex or markers, teachers always appreciate the supplies and gestures. Classroom parties also often need supplies that you can send in rather than putting time into the event and keeping the teacher from spending money out of his/her pocket. If you want to go above and beyond with your monetary involvement, gift cards can make a big impact. Even $10 to Amazon or Target allows your child’s teacher to spend less of their own money and buy something needed in the classroom. Although monetary contributions or supplies are always appreciated, being a teacher or principal is often a thankless job, and a kind email or handwritten note can also go a long way.

As this school year gets going, remember these simple ways to help out and be involved at your child’s school even when you don’t have time!