I am often asked by parents how they can best be involved in Brownies. There are lots of great ways for parents and guardians to help. Expectations differ from unit to unit, but it is true across the board that parents and caregivers are an integral part of having a fun, safe, and happy year.
With the new year on the rise, I've compiled my top five ways parents can help make their Brownie year an amazing year!
- Read the emails! Reading the emails means everyone will be prepared for a meeting. If you don't read the emails, you might miss an important memo (and your Brownie might miss out too!).
- Talk to your Brownie about Brownies! Ask her what kind of things she has been doing. Find out what she has enjoyed. Find out what she hasn't enjoyed. Is she nervous about camp? Is there a badge she really wants to work on? (Help your leaders by reporting back with your findings!)
- Be supportive! We get it. Not everyone loves cookies. Even if you don't, your Brownie probably does! Help her sell her cookies with a smile. If she is interested in doing a badge, help her with what she needs.
- Encouragement is key! Encourage your Brownie to try new things! This is an opportune time to take risks as all the girls are in a safe, supportive, and low-pressure environment.
- Be a parent, not a leader. Many parents expect that they will have to help at meetings or volunteer their time at camp. This is true for some units, but not for us! We, like many other leaders, discourage direct parent involvement. Girls flying solo are more likely to try and solve their own problems, work together, and take new risks. Brownies gain more confidence when they are able to "do it on their own" (and they will love telling you all about it!).
We are so grateful for amazing parents who care enough to ask about and consider the best ways they can support Brownies. With these top five tips, we'll be ready for another amazing year of Brownie fun!
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