Decisions By Cathy-Dee

You can't worry about what others will think, you have to concentrate on how this is making you feel and how it might be affecting your own classroom and career. Parents will make assumptions with or without your help anyway. So don't worry about whether they will mix you up with your sister-in-law.

Have a discussion with her or even with her and your brother. Make it "your fault" if you have to. Just say that you are realizing that you just can't put in that much time anymore. Let her know what you are willing to still do (perhaps lend her things or share ideas from time to time) but that you won't be able to help with classroom things like decorating, etc.,

Or

Be busy - when she comes around - just say I'd love to help but I can't as I have too much already on my plate. Perhaps so and so could give you a hand. Eventually she'll get the message.

Close your eyes and your ears!! Ignore what others might say about her. Don't look for things she might be doing wrong. Whether or not she is good at her job is not something you should be worried about. That is something for your administrator to deal with.

It is often hard to be assertive and to say no to others. Many of us who go into teaching have a personality of helping others no matter what. We have to learn to control that urge so that we so not overextend ourselves. It's not easy to do at first but over time you can learn to say no and to be better able to manage your volunteer time.