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Original poster

Would you judge this parent?

293 replies

Sparrowlegs248 · 17/06/2019 16:34

If a parent turned up at a school event, such as sports day, nativity etc, dressed in untidy/dirty work clothes. Pre school or early primary age children. Parent is self employed, tradesperson. Not filthy but obviously less clean and tidy than an office worker.

OP posts:
fairislecable · 17/06/2019 17:48

I live in a rural area and one Dad turned up to assembly straight from work - he had to leave his boots outside.

He did smell a little ripe as he was a pig man! but no one thought anything of it.

He was certainly not judged.

Goodideaatthetime007 · 17/06/2019 17:49

When DC were little I’d often arrive at school in paint covered trackies and T-shirt because I’d been decorating or muddy jeans and trainers because I’d been gardening. As far as I know it wasn’t frowned on.

mummyhaschangedhername · 17/06/2019 17:51

My husband is a tradesperson. He is very tidy most of the time but I would rather him make an event than miss out as he is a bit messy. Obviously if he was unpleasantly dirty to smelly then he needs to clean up first, but being in work clothes shouldn't exclude them/him.

LeslieKnopeforPM · 17/06/2019 17:54

Were they a forensic officer turning up in blood spattered white overalls? Cause that is a bit gross.

dustarr73 · 17/06/2019 17:55

Why do people start goady threads and not come back to them.

twattymctwatterson · 17/06/2019 17:57

Leslie those are removed before leaving their building for public health reasons.

Op to answer your question, not only would I not judge, I'd be shocked if I even noticed. I live in a very working class where seeing people in their work gear is common.

Double0FeckingBollocks · 17/06/2019 17:59

Maybe an abattoir worker with pig guts on their wellies. Or a naughty maid strippergram may not be appropriate.

Frith2013 · 17/06/2019 18:01

No.

HomeMadeMadness · 17/06/2019 18:01

Although this does remind me of a friend who worked at a crisp factory during the summer and would come to the pub from work absolutely bloody stinking of the flavouring of the crisps you could smell him when he walked in the door. If someone came to school smelling like that I might not judge them but I'd definitely avoid standing close!

Original poster
Sparrowlegs248 · 17/06/2019 18:18

Sorry! Childrens dinner time .

I'm not judging. The parent in question is saying they can't attend as they would be dirty from work, and can't take the time off to go home, wash, change and then attend. I think there's no need to do this as no one will care if they are in work clothes (the dusty/woodchip/painty type of "dirt").

I'll go and read the rest of the replies now. Sorry for disappearing.

OP posts:
Greyhoundsaregreyt · 17/06/2019 18:32

Why can’t they change at work if it’s such an issue to them?
Flimsy excuse

onemorecakeplease · 17/06/2019 18:36

Of course not! I'd be glad they came!

DoctorDread · 17/06/2019 18:42

If they are greasy from working with cars or something I can understand them wanting to change and get washed etc

calpop · 17/06/2019 18:44

I wouldn't give a ff, unless maybe they worked in a fishmongers

Grumpbum123 · 17/06/2019 18:44

I turn up most days in jodhpurs, chaps and a mud and horse hair covered jumper

BertrandRussell · 17/06/2019 18:50

“I turn up most days in jodhpurs, chaps and a mud and horse hair covered jumper”
I once turned up at a governor’s meeting like that. I was chairing it......

mamaofboyzz · 17/06/2019 18:59

I would be happy that they turned up!

Spinnaret · 17/06/2019 19:12

My DS go to a naice prep school in a wealthy area. Lots of the parents are tradesmen or farmers. They regularly turn up straight from work or between jobs.

My DH, on the other hand, wears a suit to work, but has never made it to sports day and rarely to any other school event. But, he regularly umpires their cricket matches mid-week straight off the train, whilst still in suit and tie.

3boysandabump · 17/06/2019 19:17

This is how my dh (and 50% of the dads and a couple of mothers) turn up to everything at school.

He's usually lucky enough to be able to get enough time off to just make it to school in time so going home to change first wouldn't be an option.

I just asked him if he ever feels self conscious going like that and explained the thread a bit. He said he absolutely does not feel self conscious as most of the parents there will be in work clothes just those with office jobs won't stand out as much. He also said it sound like whoever said it is using it as an excuse not to turn up to something

Di11y · 17/06/2019 19:23

could it be they work up a sweat and are worried they'll smell?

WomanLikeMeLM · 17/06/2019 20:33

No i would not judge them, unlike you @Nottalotta Hmm

Original poster
Sparrowlegs248 · 17/06/2019 20:36

@WomanLikeMeLM did you read my reply? I'm not judging. I think the parent should attend the events, in the work clothes. I dont tgink anyone will care, and if they do well so what?

The parent thinks that they'd need to go home, wash and change, in the middle of the day, in order to attend clean and tidy. And cant taje the time out of the working day to do that. Therefore isn't attending at all.

OP posts:
Original poster
Sparrowlegs248 · 17/06/2019 20:37

I have tried to say to the parent that no one will care, and I think the responses here are pretty conclusive.

OP posts:
RumpoleoftheBaileys · 17/06/2019 20:40

Not at all

Mokepon · 17/06/2019 20:43

A family member of mine is a tradesperson and has turned up to several school events in work clothes. Worn, stained and a bit sweaty.
All the mums (and perhaps some dads?) love it and every time.something is.on I'm asked if he's making an appearance.
Folk in sports gear with no intention of going to the gym. That I do judge Wink.