This week, an unexpected email landed in my inbox. The subject line simply read “Bake Sale.” As a parent of elementary-aged children for several years, I have seen countless notices for bake sales and various fundraising events. However, I have never found myself in the role of the “Bake Sale Mom” until now.
Typically, I gravitate towards projects that allow for creativity and are manageable from my own workspace. I enjoy initiatives like Parents as Reading Partners, where I can contribute without the logistical challenges of organizing food donations. Yet, as this year marks my first child’s final year at our beloved elementary school, I find myself navigating a busy schedule filled with homework, tests, and a plethora of school events, including the much-anticipated bake sale.
This particular email made me reevaluate my childhood experiences and my mother’s role in them. At around seven or eight, I joined the cheerleading squad for our local pee-wee football team. Dressed in our vibrant red skirts and white sweaters, we were an adorable sight. I remember those bake sale mothers, always present with their homemade treats, creating an atmosphere of warmth and community. However, my own mother was not among them; she was often working or otherwise occupied.
My mom was a strong feminist, dedicated to her career and active in political movements. While she supported me at my events, she was never involved in the PTA or similar activities. This creates a conflict for me when I attend PTA meetings or organize bake sales, as I can almost hear her questioning, “Don’t you have better things to do?”
Indeed, many parents juggle full-time jobs, and others find ways to contribute when they can. Some send in store-bought cookies when time runs short. It raises the question of who those bake sale moms truly were. Perhaps they, too, had their struggles behind the scenes.
As I reflect on my decision to take on the bake sale, I realize I appreciate being actively involved in my children’s school. The atmosphere of the school—filled with the scent of sharpened pencils and cafeteria meals—makes me feel connected. It is a privilege to have the flexibility to participate in this way, and it brings joy to see my children’s faces light up when I’m present at school events.
Engaging in small-scale grassroots organizing like bake sales may seem trivial but serves a significant role in supporting schools and communities. While it is true that these efforts often fall on the shoulders of women, I find fulfillment in this work, alongside my other responsibilities.
So, is this who I am now? Yes, among many other identities, I embrace this role. And I genuinely enjoy baking, which adds to my enthusiasm for these events.
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In summary, while the role of the Bake Sale Mom may seem daunting, it provides a unique opportunity to connect with my children’s school community, contribute to meaningful causes, and embrace the joys of motherhood.