I tend to view the sign-up sheets that are occasionally posted outside of my son's preschool classroom as some sort of barometer of maternal worth. Volunteer to take charge of the inclement weather phone chain? You betcha. Prepare an hors d'oeuvre for 30+ for a teacher-appreciation luncheon? On it!
The other day I was waiting for pickup with another mom, who shook her head at the aforementioned luncheon sign-up sheet on the wall and said, "I'm just too busy. I offered to write a check as my contribution." It hit me like a ton of bricks — There's nothing wrong with admitting you're just too busy. If you don't make your cookies from scratch or get your kids' Halloween costumes at a big-box store, it's not the end of the world. Do what you're able to, and for the rest, take the path of least resistance.
