Which Field Trip Parent Are You?

As you all know I love to be a super chaperone for my son's preschool field trips. On our last excursion I spent as much time studying other parents as I did the Shedd Aquarium's sea creatures. My careful observations led me to classify my peers into five types of field trip parents.

First Timers
It's been so long I can barely remember my first time, but I'm sure I had the same wide-eyed look on my face as a Mom new to field trip duty. They're easy to spot because they're probably slightly overdressed, or disheveled from an unusually early arrival. These are the folks asking for name tags, shocked by the bumpy bus ride and surprised when the brown bag lunches get passed around. Sorry, you eat the same as the kids - turkey on wheat bread, orange slices and generic potato chips. Hopefully by the end of the day these Moms and Dads have made a friend or two, as well as a fun memory with their children.

Mr. No Nonsense
This parent runs a tight ship. Wiggling, giggling and all goofy behavior is strictly frowned upon. While classmates are exploring and having fun, their kid usually has to stay close. Scowls are issued as warnings and any naughty behavior will be quickly corrected with a furious finger wag. Though these parents are great allies when dealing with an unruly bunch, they might need a reminder to let the kids be kids just once in a while.

Big Kids
Usually a Dad who relives his own childhood on these trips. You can find them roughhousing and getting the kids all riled up on the bus, or singing silly songs en route. When you finally make it to the destination this parent will hit the ground running; he or she will be totally hands on with the exhibits. They knock on the aquarium tanks, dress up in the space station and make animal noises at the zoo. Typically a ton of fun, who wouldn't want to spend an afternoon with this parent? Easy to spot by their comfy attire and the swarm of ecstatic kids clamoring for their attention.

Ms. Information
Going on field trips with this parent is like taking an educational jaunt with Alec Trebek. Above all else and by any means, this Mom or Dad is going to make sure we all learn something! The bus ride becomes a Jeopardy game for five year olds. Every fact based placard at the museum will be read, and there will probably be a pop quiz at lunch. Ms. Information isn't usually as stuffy as she seems, don't fault her for being smart. Encourage this parent to let the teachers lead the lessons, put the map down and have a little fun!

Photojournalist 
This parent is focused on snapping photos of their offspring in their natural habitats. Their fancy camera is always poised and ready to capture the next Kodak moment. A child's max field trip attention span is about 15 seconds, so you only get one chance to get a great shot before Jr. looks away or darts off. Organizing a group picture is more difficult than wrangling a herd of wild horses. This parent and their pursuit of the perfect image is commendable. Make sure you give them your email address so you get that wonderful picture of mini-me feeding a billy goat or uncovering dinosaur bones.

5 Reasons to Chaperone Your Child's Next Field Trip

Nothing beats a field trip. I know we get busy with work, projects and other responsibilities, but actually seeing your child apply what they're learning in school is amazing. Life's most important tests take place outside of the classroom! See if you agree with my 5 reasons to hop on the school bus with your kid and their buddies.

5. Learn Something!

Did you know Pluto was now a star not a planet? Yup, me neither until my 4 year-old schooled me. Hubby and I tried to teach him "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas". He looked at us like we were crazy. True story. Don't even get me started on the new math... Taking part in field trips that support school curriculum keeps you in the scholastic loop. You have an opportunity to learn on your child's level, acquire some information for further discussion at home and make it fun!

4. Meet The Parents
Pick up, drop off, crazy birthday parties. Most of us get to know our school parent peers by their cars or kids' names. We do it all the time, "Tyra's Mom, you know, they drive the red Honda." You'd be amazed how easy it is to talk to fellow Moms or Dads after a few boisterous rounds of Wheels on the Bus. No business suits, no bluetooths just bonding over a semi-gross turkey sandwich in a museum cafeteria. Give it a go and see your play date network expand before your eyes.

3. Spy on the Teachers
There's no better time or place to find out what someone's made of than to take them out of their comfort zone, put them under a microscope and into organized chaos. How do the teachers' talk to the kids under stress? Are they phony in front of the parents and administrators? Is the trip organized or utter mayhem? You can learn who's the boss with a little observation.

2. See Your Kid at Work & Play
All children come home with anecdotes about their favorite buddies. The have the days they can't stop talking about how funny their friends are, or who always has the best show and tell. Sometimes getting them to recount what they've learned isn't so easy. Tagging along on a field trip is a great way to see how what's being taught in class is sinking in. It also provides insight into your little one's growing personality. Is your quiet kiddo, really a class cutup? Do they need a little push to assert themselves in large groups? How well do they interact with older kids? You might be surprised by unexpected displays of brilliance. During a trip to the Adler Planetarium my son looked at me and said, "Earth is the birthplace of the human race." I almost hit the floor, my boy's a philosopher! After some research I found out he was quoting one of Optimus Prime's lines from Transformers 2, but still ... pretty profound!

1. Be Their Favorite... at least for the day
I'm not sure about older children, but my preschooler would have me come to class with him everyday if I could. I'd have a cot, cubby, the works. Of course that will never happen so this is the next best thing. Nothing gets you cool points quicker than chaperoning a field trip. Imagine their joy. Riding a bus to a fun new place with their best friends, fave teachers and YOU! Interactive lessons, laughter and love - what could be better :-) Take full advantage of these days where they actually want you around (and enjoy holding your hand). Relish it! They'll be preteens asking you to drop them two blocks from school before you know it.