Surviving Your First Year In 4-H
The first year as a 4-H mom can be a tough one. There is so much to learn, especially if you didn’t grow up in the 4-H world. My first year as a 4-H mom could best be described as one of constant confusion and mild panic.
Every county works a little differently so some of what I write won’t apply. I recommend plugging your Extension Office number into your phone and don’t be shy about using it.
I promise by year two you will have a better understanding of what is going on and how to navigate the 4-H world.
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The 4-H Community:
While everyone was extremely kind and helpful our first year I didn’t feel like we were part of the community until our second year. Here is my opinion on why that happens.
Like every organization, most of the work is done by a few of the people. 4-H is volunteer driven so people are waiting to see what kind of family you are going to be. A lot of people participate for a year, realize it’s harder than they expected and decide not to come back. That’s okay but most parent volunteers are waiting to see if you are going to stick around or not. We want to know you are going to be just as committed to our little 4-H family as we are.
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Here are my tips for surviving your 1st year in 4-H.
Find a friend/mentor:
If possible attach yourself to another parent that has been around the block a few times. We forget how much you don’t know when you are starting out. Most of us are happy to help we just get caught up in keeping our own kids on track and forget that everything is confusing to the newbies.
I was lucky enough to have someone I went to high school with in our group and she basically held my hand that first year. Even to the point of filling out paperwork with me.
Here are some shirts to help you play the part!
Limit your kid to one project:
Until you get a handle on what is expected for a project just have your child start with one. It is a nightmare to sign up for six projects only to find out your child is going to throw a tantrum every time they have to work on their record book. If you have multiple children and can convince them to take the same project that first year your life will be much easier.
For tips and how to guides to help you with your 4-H projects check out my post “4-H Program|An Overview”.
Get Online:
If your county has an online presence then sign up. Be proactive and try to find out as much information as you can on your own. In my county, this is a great place to find calendars and due dates.
Go to Business/Project Meetings:
This is where a lot of information is relayed. If you are missing the meetings you are missing the information
Make Lists:
Find out due dates and write them down. Figure out what has to happen before fair. Find out the schedule of events at fair. Then have your friend/mentor look it over to see if you have missed anything. You might like this post on Preparing for Fair.
Ask Questions:
Please don’t be shy. If anything is confusing ask for clarification. Like I said before, as parents we can forget how much there is to learn that first year. 4-H has a lingo of its own just like any other club or group of people do, it will take awhile to learn the language.
Here are some items to keep you organized!
Remember 4-H is supposed to be fun for the kids and for you. Try not to stress too much and enjoy the journey. We are now in our fourth year and things are easier but there are still things I don’t have firmly under my belt. The county keeps changing requirements and forms on us so every year has something new to learn. I will probably have it all figured out by the time my youngest graduates!
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One Comment
Amanda Chumchal
I’m so sad I’m just now finding this. It’s all such good info! Sharing this with our extension agent!