An unexpected email landed in my inbox this week—its subject simply read “Bake Sale.” Having navigated the world of elementary school for several years, I’ve encountered countless notifications about bake sales and other fundraisers, yet I’ve never been the one to take the lead. My usual contributions revolve around creative projects that allow me to work independently, rather than coordinating with other parents to gather baked goods.
However, this year is significant. My eldest child is in fifth grade, marking her final year at our cherished elementary school. As we prepare for this transition, our schedules are packed with homework, tests, and after-school activities, but also with celebratory events and, yes, a considerable amount of fundraising.
This bake sale email prompts me to reflect on my childhood and my own mother’s relationship with community activities. I fondly recall joining the cheerleading squad at the age of 7 or 8, clad in our red skirts and white sweaters, cheering for the local pee-wee football team. In those early ’80s Pennsylvania days, there was a brigade of bake sale moms who brought freshly baked goods that filled the air with warmth and sweetness. Yet, my own mother was often absent from these gatherings, busy with her career and political activism.
She embodied a particular brand of feminism, one that questioned the societal expectations placed on women. This legacy shapes my current feelings as I find myself engaged in PTA meetings and bake sales. I hear echoes of her voice suggesting I should prioritize my writing and other pursuits over these community responsibilities.
In today’s landscape, parents juggle a range of commitments—some working demanding jobs while others make it a priority to attend every school function. When schools seek our involvement, it’s essential that we contribute in ways that fit our circumstances, whether that’s volunteering time, sending an email, or even providing store-bought treats.
This contemplation leads me to wonder about those cheer moms from my youth. Were they truly as perfect as they seemed, or were they managing their own challenges behind the scenes? Their presence at bake sales likely represented a blend of dedication and personal struggle, just like mine.
Despite my initial hesitations, I’ve come to accept my role as the Bake Sale Mom. I appreciate the opportunity to be present in my children’s school life and recognize this involvement as a privilege. The joy I see on my kids’ faces when they spot me at school events reaffirms the importance of community engagement. It’s grassroots organizing at its core, albeit small in scale, and like many women, I willingly contribute my time and effort for the greater good.
Is this who I am now? Yes, alongside many other roles I fulfill. Plus, I genuinely enjoy baking, which adds to the experience.
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In summary, the journey of becoming the Bake Sale Mom reflects not only personal growth but also the complexities of balancing various identities within the community.