First parents evening tonight - what to expect

[cjt110]

It's a "strict" 5 minute appointment.

We have already had family sharing sessions where we have been into class and seen his work. I drop off and DH collects. I am sure if there were any issues, they would have been raised.

He has been in trouble in the last few weeks for not using kind hands and we reinforced this with him and he has been rewarded by school with stickers for using kind hands.

As we only have DS, I don't know what to expect from parents evening. I suppose I'm embarrassed by his previous behaviours but am very proud he is working hard and his effort is being seen by staff too.

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I've found them to be positive and really had to question for more challenging things. Basically it should be like a work appraisal (so nothing new should be presented to you).

You mention kind hands, so presuming nursery or reception age? I wouldn't worry, they'll be used to kids working things out physically at that age and of course will be guiding them towards more acceptable methods. Yours won't be the only child.

I usually ask if there are any areas of concern, what could we work on at home, what is DD most enjoying or most good at?

Don't wear a short skirt in case you're sat on those tiny kiddie chairs!!

It's literally just a chat, and a time to raise any questions. I always go to all three in Reception and after that only go if my children's reports show cause for concern in any way. Like you, I see the teachers everyday, so I always assume I would be aware of concerns.

Thanks.

Yes, he's in reception and an August born so a young one in the year. School have been great about the incidents and said it's one of those things and he will learn. They are actively encouraging him, as are we, and have said they will give him a sticker for each day when he has used kind hands.

You will look round the room at his artwork on the walls, then at his tray where there might be more paintings and letter formations. Then you are called in and sit on incredibly tiny chairs whilst the teacher will say he's absolutely fine and dong well for 5 mins and then you're out and can have a glass of wine...

That sounds awesome BigusBumus

It will be nice as DH couldn't make the family sharing - I felt quite chuffed seeing his books and scribbles artwork on the walls.

Wait till he's in about Year 2 when you will see in horror that he has drawn a picture that's on the wall of you with a laptop in front of you and a large bottle and glass with "My Mummy" underneath. Or is that just me?

All the other pictures of "My Mummy" had them in aprons and holding baking trays of muffins and wearing tiaras and riding a horse or playing tennis.....

BigusBumus No, it'll be me too.... me too...

Also, DH has had a shit day at work, and my mum is due to sit for us tonight. Is it normal to have 2 parents attend parents evening?

It would be easier all round to just go on my own but it feels a bit sad too

Sometimes we both go but usually it's just one of us due to logistics. Expect them to be running late!
Go to the loo before you go then you don't have to use the tiny toilets.

I always go on my own as my DH turns everything into a laugh and a joke (he's very jolly) and it gets on my nerves. I would say about 77% go as couples, but no one will bat an eyelid if you're on your own.

Yes they will be running late. Always.

I always go on my own as DH is an old man and needs his nap after work. Not kidding.

Tbh parents evenings are a bit of a waste of time. They are so ridiculously short you barely have time to get thru the small talk. The teacher will prob say your child is doing fine, and will then ask you if you have any concerns or questions. This highlights just how pointless parents evening is as a) if your child wasn’t doing ok you’d already have been in to see the teacher and guess what: b) if you had any questions and concerns you’d already have been in to see the teacher!
It’s only worth it for the comedy value of the tiny chairs

I've gone on my own, DH has gone on his own and we've gone together. Depends on what else is going on but as long as someone goes (you'd be horrified how many just don't ever bother)

YY to teeny tiny chairs and toilets... Fortunately DS has an obsession with peeing before school so I know where the grown up ones are

You are really overthinking this OP? It's the second thread.

I'm sure it will be fine, stop fretting.

DD's are always "she's brilliant and perfectly behaved", I've always dreaded DS2's because he's got ADHD, last year, yr2, was the first positive parents' evening he'd had. I actually cried with relief! The teacher makes a big difference.