Introvert mom and the preschool experience..

[marieangela]

Ds1 is going to a preschool in a more affluent part of town than we are from (because it's a good, play-based preschool). I'm finding that all of the fund raisers and holidays and expectations of the school are rather stressful. I don't know any of the other parents. Many of them have had older children at the school already and seem to know each other. I feel very much out of the loop when it comes to anything preschool related. It seems like all the moms at ds's preschool are much more involved in the school than I am. A big part of me is fine with that. I am most definitely an introvert. I just hope that it doesn't effect ds too much, though.
Ugh. Tomorrow I'm volunteering for the Scholastic Book Fair against my better judgement. I was hoping I'd get to sort through books, display them or somesuch, but I'll be sitting there taking money and making change for people who are buying books. I'm nervous about it, but I'm sure I'll survive. Anyone else feel anything like me?

[nurnur4evr]

It just takes time to get to know people, so it sounds like what you did at the book fair was a very good way to get to know people. How did it go?

[mata]

Originally Posted by marieangela

Ds1 is going to a preschool in a more affluent part of town than we are from (because it's a good, play-based preschool). I'm finding that all of the fund raisers and holidays and expectations of the school are rather stressful. I don't know any of the other parents. Many of them have had older children at the school already and seem to know each other. I feel very much out of the loop when it comes to anything preschool related. It seems like all the moms at ds's preschool are much more involved in the school than I am. A big part of me is fine with that. I am most definitely an introvert. I just hope that it doesn't effect ds too much, though.
Ugh. Tomorrow I'm volunteering for the Scholastic Book Fair against my better judgement. I was hoping I'd get to sort through books, display them or somesuch, but I'll be sitting there taking money and making change for people who are buying books. I'm nervous about it, but I'm sure I'll survive. Anyone else feel anything like me?

I hope it goes well for you-I think it's great that you're putting yourself out there, even if it's uncomfortable. And you're in charge of when and where you choose to participate. I can relate to the part about everyone having older children in school already, and knowing each other (we moved here a couple of years ago-it seems like most people have lived here all their lives)-if I wanted to "break into" certain circles it would be hard. I'm so not interested at this stage in my life! What really makes me feel more comfortable is reminding myself that my girls' school years aren't going to last forever, and I'll be happy to look back on these experiences.

[charmander]

I'm an introvert too, and what I found is that it just takes time.

My DS is in his 3rd year of public school (he is in 2nd grade) and I am just now getting to know more moms and feeling confident about volunteering and being in the PTA and on comittees and all that stuf.

I think it is a great idea that you are volunteering for the Scholastic Bookfair - that is a great way to meet the parents in your child's class, as well as the other teachers at the school. Your DS has just started going to the school - so I understand how you must feel not knowing any of the other moms. But trust me, it gets better with time. Good luck.

[marieangela]

The book fair went well. Mostly sat around talking to the other two parents that were volunteering. Their kids come on different days of the week than my ds goes, so I doubt I'll see either of them again, though.

I can't imagine ever wanting to be a part of committees and such, but I also can't imagine not being a part of or really knowing what my boys do at school. I'll have to start all over again in my school district when it's time for ds1 to head to k.

[The Lucky One]

I'm fairly introverted myself and my ds1 just started Catholic Pre-K this year. Like in your situation, many of the other mothers have older children or attend church together and already know each other. I also felt like a lot of the mothers were 'clicky'.

But, as the year has went on and I have helped with school things, I have gotten more comfortable and found that many of them are very nice. Of course, I am pg and amongst women, that always seems to be an ice breaker, so I've had that.

I remember my own mother was introverted and wasn't involved very much at my school and I was jealous of the mother's that helped out at my school. I don't want my ds to feel that way, so I encourage myself to particpate as much as I am able and I always wind up enjoying myself.