Parent-teach organizations (PTOs) and parent-teacher associations (PTAs) are great resources for parents. They often offer unique opportunities to get Involved with your child’s education and support teachers and class needs. Moreover, it’s also an opportunity to engage students in School PTA or PTO activities.

The reality is that getting kids involved is a great opportunity for them. Asking them to join in some school PTA and PTO events or activities provides students with new skills. For instance, it helps them develop leadership skills. And it also teaches them about volunteerism, which is good social citizenship. Here are some ideas about how to get kids involved in those activities.

1.     Speak to kids about how helping is a good thing to do.

As a parent, if you feel a bit unsure about getting involved with the school PTA or PTO, talk to your child about the importance of volunteerism. Doing so will help you—and them. Explain that volunteering helps make their school a better place for them and teachers. Tell your child about the many ways you can help. For example, if you have experience in marketing or fundraising, share how you could do it (Learn about PTA fundraising ideas). Remember, the more parents involved, the more successful the group.

2.     Have your kids assist with PTA or PTO activities.

Fundraising is one of the critical ways that PTAs raise funds for schools, as do PTOs. However, many fundraisers require asking for money—or selling stuff like candy. How about doing a kid-friendly fundraiser where there’s no need for any of it? A shoe drive fundraiser is entirely different, and thousands of schools, boosters, PTA, and PTO groups have already done it. Since all you do is collect shoes, even kids could do it and be involved in helping the school. Again, it’s a great way to teach them about volunteerism and leadership.

3.     Host an event with your child’s class.

If there’s an activity that the school PTA or PTO is working on that you’d like to get heavily involved in, host an event with the class of your child who attends that school. This might be like hosting a bake sale or creating a garage sale with the class. Let your child’s teacher know what you’re planning so they can let the PTA or PTO know about it too. Hosting an event with your child’s class gives you great visibility with the teachers and encourages other parents and kids to get involved with the PTA. (Find out 30 PTO fundraising ideas).

4.     Invite student council representatives to PTA meetings.

If you have high school-aged students involved in student councils, it’s a great chance to get them to attend PTA and PTO meetings. Doing so gives you a great opportunity to hear what’s happening at the school from the kids’ perspective. It’s also a great way to get them involved in your activities. And it helps them gain experience in working on events and problem-solving. Student council representatives are often hugely busy with school activities, but they still have time to attend a PTA meeting now and then.

5.     Don’t forget about after-school activities.

Many schools have after-school activities. Just think of the youth sports teams, clubs, and enrichment classes. These groups are an excellent opportunity to get kids involved in your school PTA or PTO activities, such as your fundraisers. For example, you can invite these groups to help with fundraising events like bake sales, car washes, and garage sales after school. It allows students to feel like they’re making a difference. (Discover 100+ school fundraising ideas).

Ask kids to give you feedback and resources.

Kids often know more about what’s going on in their school than we think. It may help to start by asking them about their friends or interests to warm kids up to speak concretely about their thoughts. Then, you can move on to more school-related questions. Give them the space for them to tell you what they think would make their school better. Then, see how your PTO or PTA could act on their recommendations.

In conclusion, parent-teachers organizations and parent-teacher associations are excellent resources for parents—and schools. Also, they offer unique opportunities to get involved with your child’s education, support teachers, and advocate for school initiatives. When you join the PTA or PTO and invite your kids to join you, it’s a more rewarding experience. So, with the school year, find ways to get kids involved. Everyone will be better off for doing so!

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