I was room mom for my daughter’s class for 3 years and had a wonderful time celebrating all the usual holidays and took advantage of some overlooked holidays.  When my daughter went on to 6th grade, I was ready to put on my room mom apron and kick off the school year.  I was shocked and yes, I must admit,  little hurt, when she asked that I take a back seat this year. I think she wanted to spread her wings at her new school and having a mom everyone knew would certainly cramp her style!

I learned so much about budgeting, party planning and crafting while I was a room mom and wanted to share some of those tips!    Here are ten tips for room moms and will also come in handy for any party planner on a budget.

I used my position as room mom to teach the children bout the world outside of theirs. We not only had parties,  we learned about other cultures, life styles and even did charity work.

Tip #1: Collect money from each student at the beginning of the year.  I planned on 30 dollars for the year and this would allow the children to have something once a month.  As a parent, you know that every time you turn around your child needs 5 dollars her and 10 dollars there.  It really cuts into your budget.  I sent a letter to the parents letting them know that this would be the only time I would collect.  I put the money in an envelope along with coupons from craft and party stores.

Tip #2: Set up your calender with the teacher at the beginning of the year.  This prevents any conflicts regarding dates.  Teachers have to schedule tests, presentations and in service dates, so be respectful of their schedules.  Also, ask the teacher if she can spare a shelf for your supplies.  Label all your supplies to avoid getting them mixed up with the teacher’s.

Tip #3: As a room mom, I wasn’t just a party planner.  I had a guest speaker come in every year to talk to the children.  One year I had my friend who was a professional stunt woman come in to demonstrate her  amazing skills and tell the children what her career was like.  I also had a friend who has been blind since the age of six.  He brought “cool blind man stuff” as he put it, to share with the students to teach them about how a blind person functions.  HE even brought his seeing eye dog and a few games for blind children their age.  Think outside the box!

Tip #4: Don’t just think about the world wide  or national holidays.  We celebrated and learned about cultures from around the world as we celebrated Chinese New Year and Mexican Independence Day. One of my favorite parties was a kick off for baseball season!  The kids wore baseball jerseys and caps and we played grammar baseball and watched Angels in the Outfield.  Lunch was hotdogs, chips, lemon aid and of course, cracker jack!

Tip #5: Make Big Lots and the dollar store some of your regular stops.  I often found all my paper goods for round  dollar!  I have picked up bare wreaths to decorate for 19 cents each, spools of ribbon for a quarter and craft items like stickers and paint for a song!  Go ahead and pick the table ware of the clearance rack…kids don’t mind the off beat colors!  Some of our parties were a hodgepodge of all the leftovers!

Tip #6: Ask for old daddy t or button down shirts for painting projects.  I kept them at home so I could wash them all at once and bring them back with me for project days.  Parents will love you for saving the wear and tear on school clothes or uniforms!

Tip #7: Invest in cupcake making supplies!   Long before Cupcake Wars took over the food network, room mothers everywhere knew cupcakes were the perfect dessert!   Restaurant supply stores have the 2 doz cupcake tin!  What a life saver!  You can get 24 done in 20 minutes!  I also invested in a cupcake carrier; it was one of the best buys I have made.  Keep an eye open for cupcake mixes and frostings  when they are  on sale and stock up on basic chocolate and vanilla.  I found great assortments of sprinkles on line.  I use them for family celebrations too!  They have a long shelf life and can turn a regular cupcake into a party cupcake!

Tip #8: Teach generosity!  I had our students collect for and make Christmas stocking for the homeless community in our area.  They collected personal grooming items and stuffed the stockings.  By the third year, many parents were inspired and also donated gift cards to add to the stockings.

Tip #9: When making projects for Mother’s or Father’s Day, keep in mind that some children are from blended families and may want to make 2 Mother’s Day gifts; one for mom and one for step mom.  I had a child whose father died and every year he made  a card and craft for his daddy.  I have learned so much about the children’s thoughtfulness when it comes to how they feel about their families.

Tip #10: Have the children help with all the projects!  Yes, another mommy and I could do it faster and neater, but the children should learn about offering a helping hand.  This is a teaching opportunity.  Have them help set up, serve and clean up. I had kids clean desks, we took out trash and left a clean class room.  We never left a mess for the janitorial staff.   The kids  often took plates of left over treats to office staff or teacher’s lounge.   They will learn their helping hands are building character and their generosity is always appreciated.

I missed my kids during the sixth grade year…and from what I hear, they missed me too!  My daughter said she wouldn’t mind if I was room mom next year.

I understand that many of you are too busy to be a room mom, but your help is always appreciated.   Room moms could always use the help…even if you can only volunteer once a year!    We could use anything from old shirts for painting to another pair of hands handing out hot dogs.  Your children love seeing you there, even if they act like they don’t….trust me!