Parking-lot parents

[Anonymous]

I used to go watch and occasionally talk with parents, get ideas, compare stories and enjoy the kids and getting to know the others. I stopped when a few parents became uber competitive and trashed other kids on the field, parents started inappropriately involving themselves and some gave others the third degree or encouraged people to agree with their sports politics. I avoid being uncomfortable and I don't want to get behind your new proposal to change xyz. So I became a parking lot parent though coming out a bit now that the worst offenders have moved on.

[Anonymous]

How old are the kids? My parents didn’t stay and watch my activities or practices when I got to about 5th/6th grade. They stayed in the waiting room or in the car. I don’t think this is a huge deal once the kids are old enough to behave without parental intervention.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve noticed more and more parents at my kids events who spend the whole time just sitting in their vehicles in the parking lot. Some of them never even get out of the vehicle at all, then just drive off.

What is wrong with these parents?

Antisocial misanthropes, most likely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve noticed more and more parents at my kids events who spend the whole time just sitting in their vehicles in the parking lot. Some of them never even get out of the vehicle at all, then just drive off.

What is wrong with these parents?

Because you’re annoying and I don’t want to go through the drudgery of making pretend small talk with you. I don’t like you, I have nothing invested in you, and you’re not worth any energy to me.

My kid is on the field, she’s busy running drills or practicing, she doesn’t need (or want) me there observing everything she does, and I don’t want to be near you because you’ll engage me in conversation, which I don’t want to bother with.


That’s why.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve noticed more and more parents at my kids events who spend the whole time just sitting in their vehicles in the parking lot. Some of them never even get out of the vehicle at all, then just drive off.

What is wrong with these parents?

Antisocial misanthropes, most likely.

We’re just adept enough to avoid subjecting ourselves to the unwanted company of strivers who insert words like “misanthropes” into their everyday conversation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve noticed more and more parents at my kids events who spend the whole time just sitting in their vehicles in the parking lot. Some of them never even get out of the vehicle at all, then just drive off.

What is wrong with these parents?

Antisocial misanthropes, most likely.

We’re just adept enough to avoid subjecting ourselves to the unwanted company of strivers who insert words like “misanthropes” into their everyday conversation.

I don’t use it every day. But today, it fits.

[Anonymous]

Let’s not drag the word misanthropes into this.

- Misanthrope parking lot parent who is in the parking lot for other reasons

[Anonymous]

Op, what is the problem with parents waiting in a car? Do you want them to drive off? Do you want them up close watching their kid? I mean, who cares what another parent does? You do you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to go in and sit at my kids practices then covid hit and we weren't allowed. And, I have bad health issues so me being indoors in close contact with others is not a great idea as I catch everything.

Thanks. I am OP.

Your response makes sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old are the kids? My parents didn’t stay and watch my activities or practices when I got to about 5th/6th grade. They stayed in the waiting room or in the car. I don’t think this is a huge deal once the kids are old enough to behave without parental intervention.

I’m noticing it across my kids ages, from 8 to 15.

[Anonymous]

They are staying warm or dry or cool or bug bite free or watching a movie, reading a book, listening to a podcast or working for all the reasons others have said.

[Anonymous]

My son has baseball 5 nights a week. I’m in the bleachers for every single game, chatting with the other parents. I don’t need to do that for the other nights too. It’s baseball practice, not happy hour. I’ve worked all day, I want to decompress. Or I have other stuff to do that I didn’t get to while working. Or I’m cold. Or I’m ordering us dinner or groceries. Or I just don’t feel like it.

You do sound great to be forced to make idle chitchat with though. 🙄

[Anonymous]

It depends what you mean by “events”. If you mean games, performances, award ceremonies that’s weird. If you mean practices, or kid only events like scout meetings or school dances that’s not weird.

Just to add that we have had major issues with DV targeting the kids and I have stayed close to practice in case my ex shows up.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes I watch. Sometimes I bring a book and read. And sometimes I stay in the car and take a nap. Guess which one is my favorite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve noticed more and more parents at my kids events who spend the whole time just sitting in their vehicles in the parking lot. Some of them never even get out of the vehicle at all, then just drive off.

What is wrong with these parents?

What events?