Should both parents attend parents evening????

[Eaney]

My DS is 5 almost 6 and in yr1/2. Do you think it's important that both parents attend. I would prefer it as I have a baby and will get distracted but it would be difficult for DP and I don't know if I should ask him to make the effort for a 10 min chat.

Also a clue aboout what I should ask. I just know they are going to say he gets easily distracted and needs reminding to stay on task. I know in some areas he is way ahead and I suspect is a little bored. Should I ask teacher what they are doing to stimulate him or is this like saying they are not doing their job.

He is a bright boy who loves sience type things and math type things and loves to read (mainly about sience and space and such like). Anyway I'm rambling any advise much appreciated.

I think that both parents should be there, if possible, really just because I don't understand why they wouldn't want to know how their child is doing etc....

Possibly not "what are you doing to stimulate him?!", but if you say that he's giving you the impression that he could do with slightly more taxing work, and is there anything they can do about it?

Bear in mind I have a toddler and know nothing though

I would say yur dh should be there with you but I know how hard that is to arrange. I usually go alone, but I prefer it when dh comes with me and can hear things first hand for himself. It helps hime to feel involved, and if there is anything hard to discuss, obviously it is good to have someone with you. But don't make him miss loads of work if there is no late appointment you could have.

If you have any concerns, I would say it is far better to discuss them now rather than leave them to fester. This is what parents' evening is all about after all. It is not just the teacher giving his/her report, it is also your chance to say what you think. As an ex-teacher, I preferred to know what the parents really thought, although try not to be too confrontational!

We've got one tonight and as it is the first at this school and we have things we woudl like to raise, we both want to go along. dh is leaving work early and I'm collecting him from the station so there is no way we'd be able to drop the kids anywhere even if one of us stayed at home with them, so they'll have to come along and wait outside the classroom. . Friend thinks it unlikely we'll be the only ones doing this (other kids are often left in cars in the car park during pick up/drop off) although it is not ideal.

I've taken DD to every parents' evening, I think, in the four years she's been at school (so 8). She take a book or her homework and sits outside the classroom or in the library area.

I've attended most consultations alone but only cos impossible for DH to get there. He came last night which was useful for him.

That sounds a good plan LIZS

fds3 fell asleep in my arms at ours the other nigth
fab timing

Yes I'm afraid I won't remember everything that's said and dp is a pain for detail. DD is 9 mths old and can be very loud so distracting. Anyway will see how it goes.

Thanks

I don't think it's necessary. DS turned up a week after DD started reception and I've never been able to find anyone to look after them both. There's been a lot to sort out with the school about DD as she was diagnosed as having dyspraxia. I take some paper and jot down things I know I'll forget and make sure that I always cover any concerns I've got (jotted down in advance so I don't forget them.) DH knows exactly what's going on as I tell him when I get back.

we do co mindign around here
one fo us has allt he kids hten the other one swaps

ours are from 1 30 till 8 pm

I think it's helpful if both parents can go - if only so you don't have to remember every detail to repeat to the other one later! DH makes about half of our parent-teacher meetings and that seems to be the norm at school. There are lots of parents there on their own and also quite a few children hanging about in the playground. However, one reception family did have their reception daughter sitting on their knee throughout their consultation this year which I didn't think was particularly appropriate. At 4, they're quite old enough to understand a lot of what is being said about them!