<p>We did not attend D’s parents’ weekend freshman year due to the expense of flying across the country. In fact, other than moving her in freshman year, I have not been to visit her (her dad visited once because he was in town for a funeral). My D knows that we love her and support her - and I don’t think she has ever felt “unloved” because we don’t visit. I think Parent’s Weekend would be more for you, than for your child. Do it because you want to, not because you think you have to.</p>
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My thoughts exactly. And you avoid the congestion and hotel mark-up for what can be a very crowded weekend.</p>
<p>I told D I could come down for Parents’ Weekend; she was indifferent. I booked a hotel just in case, but if I’m spending for airfare, I think she might enjoy coming home for a long weekend more. I’m sure the school has lots of interesting things planned for the parents, but if D doesn’t feel any burning need for me to be there, I can skip it.</p>
<p>^^ Agree completely</p>
<p>If parents don’t feel strongly one way or the other…I’d pick a more opportune time to spend the $.</p>
<p>OP, however, did mention she was “looking forward to it.” I’m a bit torn on the “don’t dare to disrepect your kid’s wishes” view. If mom/dad are footing the bill and want to go, I don’t really see anything wrong with a “hey honey, we’d really like to experience this - and we won’t be a burden to you, no expectation to feel obligated to hang with the folks…etc.”. Every family is different of course.</p>
<p>^^ This is assuming the U in question offers a full range “parents only” activities. If it’s a ‘visit your child’ weekend, I’d go another time…</p>
<p>"If the purpose of the visit is to visit your kid, then any workable weekend works "</p>
<p>-Not exactly. At D’s school they had events (like several performances and special dinner at D’s religious organization) where you would spend time with your kid and still learn a lot about school. So, it was not just any weekend. But it depends what you are looking for. For us it was whatever our D. wanted us to do. I bet she would feel semi-lonely if all her friends’ parents were there and we did not come. I imagine, that this was one more reason. So, parents weekend is not exactly the same as all other weekends for 2 reasons:
-organized events
-many other parents being there, so friends are busy with their parents.</p>
<p>I don’t understand the “learn a lot about the school” aspect of Parents Weekend–by the time our kids had toured, applied to, been accepted by, and attended accepted students day and orientation at the college they would attend, we all knew as much as we needed to know about the school. Once freshman year begins, I think the parents’ involvement with the particulars of the school is over–it’s the student’s experience thereafter. I no longer want or need to hear one word about gen ed requirements, study abroad, housing issues, etc., etc. If there’s a particularly engaging professor who would like to entertain the parents with a scintillating lecture, or a performance by a terrific a capella group, I’m happy to partake, but beyond that, I’ll take a pass.</p>
<p>I like to go to Parents Weekends. The school usually puts on special concerts, lectures or tours that may not be available every weekend. </p>
<p>We don’t monopolize our kid’s time (we leave them plenty of time to study on the weekends–HA!) and we do stuff by ourselves. Maybe I’m just lucky, but my kids have always wanted to share stuff about their college during these visits. We do ask that they allow us to take them to eat at an expensive restaurant. </p>
<p>So go if you want to, meet your S for dinner one night and then have FUN!</p>
<p>At my older son’s college they didn’t so much have a repeat of what you learned on college visits, they had things like a historical walking tour of the campus, a concert, student led hikes up the mountain, picnic lunch on the green, a golf outing, a comedian/magician and yes, a few presentations about study abroad and things like that if you were interested. Of course, we also did the requisite shopping trip and dinner out. I thought the whole thing was quite fun and son took it for granted that we would be back the next year.</p>
<p>"I don’t understand the “learn a lot about the school” aspect of Parents Weekend–by the time our kids had toured, applied to, been accepted by, and attended accepted students day and orientation at the college they would attend, we all knew as much as we needed to know about the school. "</p>
<p>-Not the same. We visited few performances, participated in religious service, helped a bit more with D’s room, walked on campus with D., who was showing to us thing that are important for her, not tour guide. It was very memorable, always will be precious part of D’s UG experience. However, if D. has said no, we would have not dared to come against her wish.</p>
<p>At my D1’s school where she will be a freshman there in just a few short days they have a whole town celebration along with it being parent’s weekend. They have all sorts of activities planned at the university and in the town itself. We want to see what they have to offer and she definitely wants us to attend. Well, at least she does at this point, may change once she gets to school on Thursday. She is very nervous about leaving home and going to a school where she doesn’t know anyone yet. It is about 3 1/2 hrs from home so not too bad. Having the Parent’s weekend after her being there for a couple of weeks sounds like it should be good.</p>