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

Yes my DDad came to more than my DH does for our children. DH works longer hours and is away most weeks.

My dad never came to anything school related. I don't even think he knew where my secondary school was.
He worked 8-5 but in the evenings was the secretary of a working mens club
And he was out every night. The only night he didn't go to the club was Christmas night.

Same as this, my mum didn’t drive either. Can’t remember for primary school at all!

Neither parent went. Did they even exist in the 70’s & 80’s?

I don't remember them in primary school but I would imagine he went if they could get a babysitter. In secondary he didn't but he was one of the teachers 😁

I'm 56 and my both my mum and dad went to every single one.

My Dad didn’t because he worked away but still took an active interest. DH attends if he’s not working away.

I don't think Dad went.

I don't think Mum went.

My dad went in the evenings he couldn't go to afternoon ones

Dad came to school plays and concerts and awards ceremonies. I honestly can't remember if either of them went to parents' evenings. They were both very supportive and helpful generally about school.

I'm as certain as I can be that my dad never went to any primary school ones. He may have been to a few secondary school ones, but few and far between.

My father (similar age to OPs dad) went to all school stuff he could, if his shifts allowed.

I'm early 50's and my Dad never went to mine, I assume he was at work rather than not interested but it was definitely Mums remit.

My DH has never been to any of our DC either though (they are 26-18), again because he has been at work and I can't imagine anything worse than going to the late appointments and organising sitters so we could both go.

My dad was born in the same year as your dad and yes, he went to as many parents' evenings as he could. He was also a teacher and I guess he valued my education.

My dad never went to any but my stepdad came to at least one of my secondary school ones as my mum was ill and it was mandatory that we went as I was about to select my final year subjects. I only remember him coming as he took me to Tesco after to buy me a VCR for my room as he finally realised how "clever" I was.

Both my parents (born 1928, I was born in 1968) went to all parents' evenings IIRC. After DF died when I was 16 my 'D'B (much older,,very controlling) started going with my DM & decided in order to inspire me would only tell me the bad feedback. Used to wait until he'd gone out to get the rest of it from DM. Messed with my head somewhat!

Oh course - why wouldn't he?

My father, born 1914, went. Not UK.

Only my Dad came to parents evening, but that was because my Mother worked in the school and didn't want that to change what the teachers said about me. She felt if I had been behaving like a little shit they would find it harder to tell her, as she was a colleague. 🤣 So Dad came every year and on his own.

My dad never went to any. He left all that to my mum. I was at school 70s/80s and my parents were quite traditional in their roles.

I'm 48 and both my parents went to all my parents evenings, primary and secondary.
I went private from Yr 5 though, so my parents were invested in my education (literally as well as metaphorically).

Yes he did

Dad only went when he wasn't working and dh doesn't come to our children's parents evenings, I tell him everything they've said in the 5 minutes I'm there, he then tells the kids how proud he is etc

I don't really see the need for both parents to go.

He does come to as many plays or presentations as he can get the time off for but the dd's will see him there whereas for parents evenings the kids are at home.

My dad was born in 1946 and he went to parents night if he was available.
He sometimes worked away so it wasn't possible or did not get back from work in time to get there in time.Only secondary school though as he commuted for work when we went to primary school and there was no way he was getting back in time.

I voted the wrong way as my muddled brain got confused. My Dad was born 1939. My sisters and I all born mid 60s to early 70s. We lived in several counties during school days and every school we went to had parents evenings, and both our parents attended.
Is there a chance your Dad has simply forgotten over time - perhaps tried to erase the accute discomfort of sitting on chairs made for child-sized bottoms!!?