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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU... To loathe Parents Night?

42 replies

KatieScarlett2833 · 29/09/2011 16:17

I have Parents Night in half an hour and am dreading it.

Not because I'm worried about what they will have to say about golden bollox child, but more about what I am supposed to say to them.

I have to see 8 teachers in 1 hour, what the hell am I supposed to be doing there? Have never worked this out, just sit and smile and restrain myself from running out the school, screaming.......

Hate it , Hate it.

Surely I'm not the only one....

OP posts:
Proudnscary · 29/09/2011 16:21

Not sure what you think is so scary - no one is expecting you to deliver a great soliloquy or pose an awe-inspiring question.
If you have any questions or concerns, voice them.
If you don't, listen to what the teacher says.

crazynanna · 29/09/2011 16:23

My school's parents' night is a cross between musical chairs and speed dating Grin

worraliberty · 29/09/2011 16:23

I love parent's evening!

You don't really have to say anything to them...it's up to them to tell you about your child's progress.

Original poster
KatieScarlett2833 · 29/09/2011 16:24

I just find it very stressful. I have social anxiety issues anyway but there is something about Parents Night that sets my "flight" mode to the max.

I have no concerns, just feel as though I'm expected to participate in some way and my brain goes dead.

OP posts:
LineRunner · 29/09/2011 16:24

Pointless, cacophonous, overcrowded, claustrophobic, rushed, superficial nonsense.

I always feel a school that runs this kind of speed feedbacking is just announcing how totally fucked its ethos actually is.

Original poster
KatieScarlett2833 · 29/09/2011 16:25

Linerunner yes!

OP posts:
minipie · 29/09/2011 16:25

I always thought it was more for the teachers to tell you how your DC is doing. Like a verbal report I guess. So Katie you just can sit and listen really.

MrsMellowDrummer · 29/09/2011 16:26

If it's any consolation, the teachers probably feel exactly the same.

I can't wait until parents evenings at secondary school, when I imagine you get to sit on actual big chairs...

Original poster
KatieScarlett2833 · 29/09/2011 16:27

Ok, am psyching myself up.

I can do this.....

OP posts:
bruffin · 29/09/2011 16:29

Agree with worraliberty- We don't normally have to say anything. Teacher asks DC how they think they are getting on - DC usually reply ok (or in DD's case "I talk to much")
Then teacher goes over how well they are doing/or not then, then give an option to ask questions. Quite civilized really.

worraliberty · 29/09/2011 16:29

And remember, September parent's evenings are simply to meet the teachers.

If you have no concerns and they don't either, it'll be over very quickly.

bruffin · 29/09/2011 16:30

oops
should be "I talk too much"

LineRunner · 29/09/2011 16:31

Or, "I talk to Much, my imaginary friend from Sherwood Forest, because your lessons are so boring." Grin

Original poster
KatieScarlett2833 · 29/09/2011 16:32

DS is in 4th year, sitting SG's next year so is kinda important and I can't send DH

Right, deep breath, am off to face my demons.

Wish me luck.

OP posts:
CupOfBrownJoy · 29/09/2011 16:32

I hate it too, but then I'm a teacher so I don't think I'm really meant to like it...

CupOfBrownJoy · 29/09/2011 16:32

good luck!

LineRunner · 29/09/2011 16:36

Steel yourself, woman. I adopt a fixed grin alternating with an earnest frown. To be honest I can barely hear what most of the teachers are saying as we seem to be about 20cm away from at least 6 other tables at any given time.

The thought of a nice Chardonnay waiting for me in the fridge for when I get home helps.

bruffin · 29/09/2011 16:40

Lol Line Runner

noteventhebestdrummer · 29/09/2011 16:41

I use 'How do you think you can best help DS with that Mrs Goggins?' accompanied by SMILE

they love me at school

crazynanna · 29/09/2011 16:46

I always get this look Shock from the teachers' when they first meet me,as dd is a little pretty thing,and I am 12 stone with a face like the back end of a bus! Grin

IloveJudgeJudy · 29/09/2011 16:55

All I can say is, if the DC is not the best behaved, then the teacher usually has loads to say, but if DC is doing very well, then they only speak to you for about 2 mins of the allotted 5. Smile (Can you tell I've had both sorts?)

I would just shake hands, say, "hello", sit down and listen, nodding at the appropriate places.

LineRunner · 29/09/2011 17:02

I can quite believe that the teachers hate it all, too. (I'm talking about secondary.)

Some of the parents I have been in the school hall with have been extremely loud and angry. Sometimes whole families have been crowded round one little table. There is no adherence to timetable.

I come away feeling a bit battered.

cat64 · 29/09/2011 17:16

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

MardyBra · 29/09/2011 17:20

"I have social anxiety issues" - but you are so eloquent on here. Just imagine you're on MN. (Well, maybe not discuss fanjos with the history teacher)

Isn't there some hot male teacher totty you can ogle. I quite enjoy the session with the drama bloke...

LineRunner · 29/09/2011 17:21

My DD's PE teacher is quite lush.

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