Entry FeedMany of the activities which my children are involved in are run by volunteers - hockey, T-ball, soccer, lacrosse, and Beavers. How often do the rest of us thank them? Or help out a little when we can?
These activities could not run without the volunteers. Every week I drop Son One off at Beavers, knowing that there will be adults there to work and play with him. Every sporting team has a team of coaches working together for practices and games. My kids would be really bored if there were no volunteers.
Recently I sent a brief, emailed, thank you to Son Two's lacrosse coach. I just wanted to thank him and let him know how much my son is enjoying it. His response was immediate. The coach said that he never hears from parents except when they complain that he isn't doing enough, or doing something wrong. Isn't that too bad?
I try to thank the coaches regularly, both in person, by card, and email. I wish that I was rich and could buy them each a lavish thank-you gift, but besides some Tim Horton's gift cards or donating into a group gift, I just can't. I am thrilled by the time and effort these adults, with their own full time jobs and families, put into my kids having great experiences. The least I can do is say thank you.
Besides saying thanks, the best thing that you can do it to pay in full on time. Thank you parents of mine! I was never one of those kids who got the green or yellow paper saying, "please send a cheque to the next class." (BTW - is it just me or does it seem that the wealthier people were, the less likely they were to pay on time?)
As parents, we model acceptable behaviour for our kids. I see so many parents complaining about how things are run, or doing their best to get away with stuff. Why not thank our coaches and volunteers often and sincerely? If you see someone doing an outstanding job, let them know! It is really the least that we can do. Thank you very much. Here's my cheque.