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Original poster

People older than 35; did your dad go to school parent’s evenings?

438 replies

Farrings · 25/11/2025 14:14

I asked my parents to look after our daughters for an hour (they’re primary age) so DH and I could both go to parents evening.

Both kids are at the same school so it’s no bother, and we care equally about their education, so we both want to go.

My dad (born 1943) asked ‘What’s parents evening?!’ He denied any knowledge of the concept, and said he’d never been to one. He has 3 kids who were all in school in the 90’s/early 2000’s.

To be fair, I’m not sure my mum went to many either… they’re not great with supporting formal education…but I was still surprised to hear my Dad say he didn’t even know what one was!

Then I thought, was this normal for the time maybe?

if you’re over 35, please vote -

YANBU - ‘My dad didn’t go to parents evenings either, (or maybe like, one time)!’

YABU - My dad DID GO! Or a few times anyway!

(Obviously whether or not Mum’s went is a whole other question, I will have to save that for another vote)

P.S This is Just for fun! X

OP posts:
soundsys · 25/11/2025 19:52

Dad was born in 1948 and never went to anything at my school. Once came to pick me up in a council minibus (that he drove for a living) and we had the police turn up asking if he'd stolen it so... My family may not have been typical 🤣

GingersOwner26 · 25/11/2025 19:47

I remember Dad forgetting to go to one once when Mum was working nights. Beyond that incident I don’t remember him going to any, but could have forgotten some of the earlier ones.

TigerRag · 25/11/2025 19:44

My dad never went to parents evening. He was usually working

Banditbiscuits · 25/11/2025 19:42

My dad (1957) would go to mine in the 90s and 00s but they would most always be held on a Wednesday so he would be dressed up in his denim jeans and leather jacket ready to smash through the teacher chats before heading out to drink and do a quiz night!!

Scarlettpixie · 25/11/2025 19:34

My dad was born in 1930. He definitely came to my secondary school ones. He would have needed to drive mum though as she didn't drive. We probably called at the chippy on the way home 🙂

PurpleSkies2026 · 25/11/2025 19:34

I don't think my Dad went as he was usually working away or back home at 7/7.30. I'm sure he knew what they were though. Born 1947.

Moel · 25/11/2025 19:33

Dad born 1938 in very deprived circumstances. No way would he have simply not bothered to go. He went to show support for education. I’m not sure how much he took in. My mum knew a lot more about the teachers, who was who etc than he did but both were very disparaging about parents who didn’t bother. Might also have been as my Dad grew up in care having been removed from his home and he didn’t want to give anyone a reason to think he wasn’t an engaged parent and needed looking into.

Recycledblonde · 25/11/2025 19:31

My Dad went to every single one of mine and my sisters. I’m 60 so was at school in the 70s and 80s. DH came to most of our childrens unless the timing was bad with his work.

TeenLifeMum · 25/11/2025 19:31

Yes, always through primary, and mostly at secondary except when he was away for work. My dad is odd, he makes misogynistic comments but his behaviour doesn’t match as he was a very hands on dad, very present and very engaged in my education. I’m 43.

Coffeeismyfriend1 · 25/11/2025 19:31

My dad always went.

Isobel201 · 25/11/2025 19:31

Rarely, I think most of the time it was my mum, but my dad did work over in Manchester (we live in Huddersfield) so he often didn't get home in time.

PurpleFlower1983 · 25/11/2025 19:30

My dad went to all mine, my mum went to none.

Hankunamatata · 25/11/2025 19:29

Dad always went and I'm a child of the 70s.

My dh doesnt go to any as they are always during the day and he leaves that sort of stuff to me as he feels weirdly out of his depth.

foodlovefood · 25/11/2025 19:28

Dad born 1950. parents owned a restaurant. They shared a role so if one was working the other looked after the kids. My mum went, but my dad’s English was not great.

if they fell on a day the restaurant was closed both would go. But my dad was never hands on. Realised more to do with my mums style than what he wanted

alongtimeagoandfaraway · 25/11/2025 19:25

My dad went. My siblings and I were born in the 1960s. He was born in the 1920s

Angelil · 25/11/2025 19:24

Sometimes my dad was away for work so he might have missed a few but if he was there then both parents always went. I’m 39; dad born 1959.

firstofallimadelight · 25/11/2025 19:23

I’m 46 I don’t remember any at primary school but there definitely were at secondary school. My mum went, my dad never did.

BountifulPantry · 25/11/2025 19:21

Yes Dad went.

cocog · 25/11/2025 19:20

No he didn’t but separated when I was infant school age. I think my mum missed a fair few of mine too! Was the 80s

101Alsatians · 25/11/2025 19:14

My Dad went to every single one.My Mum did some.

Benmac · 25/11/2025 19:14

No parents evening no school play or concerts. Had problems remembering our names

Stillreadingalot · 25/11/2025 19:13

Dad was born late 1920s and went to parents evenings and PTA meetings -probably because mum didn't drive but he enjoyed hearing how we were doing

Charlize43 · 25/11/2025 19:12

PyongyangKipperbang · 25/11/2025 18:27

My fathers family were catholic and they all utterly loathed the nuns. They were instrumental in my father turning away from the church. As he said, how can these women claim to be working for God and Jesus when Jesus himself would be disgusted with their behaviour?

Show quote history

I can totally believe it. Someone should do a psychological study on the mindset of nuns as a lot of them were strict, self-righteous and cruel. I did wonder if they take all that abstinence, imposed self-control, and depriving themselves out on others.

Occasionally I've met women with obsessive and exacting EDs or rabid self-righteous feminists who've reminded me of the nuns.

Clearly Martyrdom can make you very mean.

Tulipsriver · 25/11/2025 19:12

I'm 35. Yes, my dad always came. My parents were divorced and it was always a bit exciting because I'd get to spend time with both together.

Gazelda · 25/11/2025 19:09

No. Neither did my SM (I was brought up by them as my mum had died).

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