School Events: Do You Sneak Off Early?

I generally only attend the important ones if I'm not busy or working. Then it's hit or miss.. sometimes I enjoy it, sometimes I wish I hadn't gone.

I did when the kids were little....I remember those days. And yes..sometimes I could escape early...especially when they were in elementary school...when they got into high school it wasn't as easy as they were sharper at looking for me.

I've always attended events where my children were directly involved like plays, music recitals, etc. and I would stay until the end. However, I never really got involved with "general" events like Open Houses, orientations, etc. There just haven't been enough hours in the week to do everything that comes up so I've participated in the things where I felt I was supporting my children. Just last week, my younger daughter had her last music performance at high school (she's graduating this year) and I did go but I had to leave before the end because I had to work. I felt really guilty leaving early, even though I had explained to her in advance and, of course, she was fine with it. Well, wouldn't you know that, when I got home, the phone rang almost right away -- there had been a fire in the adult education centre and the school was evacuated and the concert wasn't concluded. She had to come home. I sort of felt like I got "reprimanded" for trying to leave early ;)

Wow! I have no kids so I have to answer this from the kids point of view. As a kid I was in both the chorus and orchestra and my mom and dad didn't miss a performance. Because Chorus went first and Orchestra last, They Had to stay but I Never got the feeling they didn't want to be somewhere else. my mom volunteered at every school I went to so she Wanted to be at school. It wasn't boring. And unlike my peers, I loved seeing my mom at school.

as a non-parental unit I have never had to attend one of these things since I got out of school... and I hated them when I was in school!

I'm generally not a fan of those type of functions, but we do it for our children. We have to be there to support them. Lets face the facts, even though they may be a little bothersome, the time will pass and it will be over. Patients is what we need with children. Those are ours and our children's memories. Take pictures, take videos and have them for years to come. I enjoy seeing my children happy.

I do not have any to attend anymore. I do not have grands close here and the kids are adults. I did sneak out of the nursing school graduation for my forty something niece.

I enjoyed those events but you are right, sometimes they can be very uncomfortable and the shrieking children really got on my nerves. There were a few other people who felt the same--they had no problem being there for their children but it was a bit much for them. We tended to sit together and help each other last till the end!

hi GreenMoo those days are far behind me and glad am I forThat as I always went whenever we could and when my son was little we often sneaked out early as he was just happy we were there.We did go to a few when he was in private high school and got stuck for too long but he was pleased and I felt good about that.

Hi. GreenMoo. No, I usually try to endure the school event. If I happen to be hot, I will fan myself with something, or I will walk in and out so that I can get some fresh and cool air. I hardly get to attend any of my kids school events, due to lack of transportation and being that my three year old daughter tends to act up, I still would go anyway. I try to enjoy these special moments as much as I can though. It is very hard to stay relaxed when it is very hot, I will agree.

My oldest is just finishing up kindergarten - what a first year of school experiences for her and for us (me!). I actually have enjoyed all the events and being there for her. I take a ton of pictures so we can remember these moments and to share with other parents since some of them can't make it or forget to bring their cameras. I know a lot of the parents (well, we're not exactly friends, but we've chatted quite a bit), so I don't mind meeting up with them. I'm usually one of the last to leave so I can make use of every photo opportunity - and I know my daughter likes it when we are present at these functions (she'd probably realize it if we weren't there til the end). Our school is very family oriented, so they make it for for the whole family (or at least they try).