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

[Farrings]

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

I think my Dad went to our secondary ones but only because my Mum doesn’t drive and she needed him to take her in the evening (we went to school on the bus)

Only secondary school because mum insisted so they could do half the teachers each. Ironically my mum wouldn't come with me for dt (2 dc x 9 subject teachers) as a single parent was impossible.

I remember my dad (born 1949) going to at least one at primary school, I don't think he went to any secondary though. It seemed to be very much Mum's Job.

Yes, but he was a teacher so was more interested in that kind of thing than some I guess.

My dad never went to any school events as he was working either 12 hour days or 12 hour night shifts.
He’s one of the most supportive people I have ever met but work was work back then.

My Dad did.
But my children's dad hasn't been to many parent evenings. Always coincided with him working away.

Never (I’m 41 and he was born 1949). And he was an involved dad - cooked, played with me. Did not do any of the school stuff. My partner does a lot more school stuff but as only one of us can attend parents evening then I’ll go unless I am working away / late as that’s just more my thing

Dad was born in 1941 and definitely went to parents’ evenings.

I specifically remember my parents both going (I'm mid 40s) as they got a babysitter for me and my dad refused to tell me what the teacher said as it was confidential.

He'll be turning in his grave seeing me take my 8 year old to her parents evening with me!

My dad didn’t really go, but he was / is a long distance lorry driver so wouldn’t tend to be at home during the wee. He knew what they were and probably would have went if he could have tho.

My dad was born in 1939 and went to secondary school ones

My father didn't, but he was a police officer and did shift work. My mother was a SAHM and she always went.

My dad always went, unless he was travelling overseas for work. He is a few years older than your dad!

My parents were both born in 1945 and came to every parents’ evening

I'm 39 and my dad never went to one. I always remember my aunt going along with my mom to translate because my mom is completely deaf

My dad was born in 1946 and went to all parents evening unless he was away for work (army). He always wore a suit and took it seriously (embarrassed me).

yes for secondary school as they were held in the late evening. He enjoyed them as I was a straight A student, he liked going to listen to me being praised to the hills (so he told me!)

Nothing like basking in your children’s reflected glory eh?

They never stopped by to see the PE teacher though…

My dad never came, he was either looking after us or away working. My mum was a teacher anyway (at a seperate school) so our parents evening seemed more of a social event to her so she could gossip and bitch to teachers about their job!

I actually don't know for sure but I seriously doubt it, he was a very unhelpful, uninvolved parent

My dad was entirely absent from my whole childhood, so no he didn't go.

I've been a teacher 15y now, and it's been very normal to see both parents at patents evening (my oldest former students are now 32 years old). But I've mostly taught at independent schools if that makes a difference

My Dad worked in education so was heavily invested mine. He used to take notes which I found absolutely mortifying! He only did it so he wld remember what was said and looking back now I find extremely touching. But at the time, major cringe.

Primary: No
Y9-Y13: Yes.

No. Editing to add - he was born at the end of WW2, independent schools.

My mum went and told us that it was so our teachers would know she was a good mother. I'm never sure whether that was a joke, but I actually don't think it was!

I don't understand why both parents go together either though - take it in turns while the other stays with the kids at home (or the siblings if it's appropriate to bring your relevant child). The only reason to both go is if you need to see two teachers simultaneously for siblings at the same school.

My dad went to his first one in sixth form when I asked him to. I don't remember him attending any others and from his view I think he would think one parent was enough to attend (I disagree btw)

YANBU. My dad never ever went to parent´s evening or any kind of meeting with teachers. But then, he left for work at 7.00 am and came back at 20.00, we really only saw him fully at weekends.
Oh, and born in 1934, not sure if that means anything.