I received an email this week that caught me off guard—it wasn’t bad news, nor was it particularly exciting; it was simply titled “Bake Sale.” As a parent of elementary-aged children for five years, I’ve seen countless messages about bake sales, plant sales, and all sorts of fundraising events, but I’ve never been the one in charge of organizing any of them.
I usually gravitate towards school projects that allow for creativity and quiet time at my desk, not ones that require me to rally other parents for Rice Krispie treats. I jump at opportunities like Parents as Reading Partners, but this year feels different. My oldest child is in fifth grade—the final year at our cherished elementary school. It’s a significant transition for both of us, filled with homework, tests, after-school activities, and of course, a whirlwind of fundraising for spirit nights, a fifth-grade trip, and a grand graduation party.
This brings me to that bake sale email that, for most, is just another task to check off, but for me, it’s a reminder of my own childhood and my busy mother, who was absent from those bake sales. My mother was a trailblazing feminist: a political activist and medical professional, often questioning a system that relied on women’s unpaid labor. Now, when I mention a PTA meeting or a bake sale, I can almost hear her asking, “Don’t you have better things to do? Like writing a book or preparing a fabulous meal for my grandchildren?”
And yes, I do have a lot on my plate—like many parents juggling careers and family commitments. Some friends are fully present at school events, while others delegate responsibilities to grandparents or babysitters. Guilt and satisfaction coexist among us as we navigate how best to contribute. The reality is, with schools demanding more of our time and energy, we all need to participate in ways that suit our lives, whether it’s working a table at an event or simply sending a few bucks with our kids for popcorn Fridays.
I can’t help but wonder about those cheerful moms from my childhood, baking and setting up tables with ease. Perhaps they were juggling jobs I didn’t know about or dealing with their own identity crises. Maybe they were just as committed as I am now, trying to support their kids and community.
As I reflect on these experiences, I realize I’m actually okay with being the designated Bake Sale Mom. I enjoy being present at my kids’ school, soaking in the scents of freshly sharpened pencils and cafeteria lunches. It’s a privilege to have a flexible work life that allows me to take on this role. Seeing my children’s smiles when they spot me at school events makes it all worthwhile, not to mention the funds we raise that boost our schools and community. Yes, I may be working for free, but I also do a lot for causes I care about.
So, is this who I am now? Absolutely—along with many other things, including my love of baking.
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In summary, being a Bake Sale Mom is just one facet of my identity, intertwined with my love for my kids and my commitment to our community.