I came to watch my DC play his game, not talk to you

[Anonymous]

The parents of my DC's ball team are very, very chatty. I just want to go watch my child play and try to be polite but not initiate conversations, but I've missed plays my son has made because some other parent is telling me about their job, divorce, etc.

I've tried standing at the fences, but my other DCs want to sit in the bleachers.

Any helpful techniques? DH suggests I should wear headphones, but I think this would look weird considering I have other DCs with me. DH is usually on the field with the players.

[Anonymous]

How old are your other kids? I bring a chair to my son's games and sit far away from others. Bring your own chairs and do the same.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

One option:

1. Arrive early, chit chat politely, then excuse yourself and say you're going to sit [over there] to focus on the game because you're a play-nerd, but catch up to ya afterwards!
2. Arrive on time, avoid everyone, sit [over there], slink out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

+1000

[Anonymous]

Isn't your bitchy resting face enough to deter them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One option:

1. Arrive early, chit chat politely, then excuse yourself and say you're going to sit [over there] to focus on the game because you're a play-nerd, but catch up to ya afterwards!
2. Arrive on time, avoid everyone, sit [over there], slink out.

3. Don't go crying on DCUM that the rest of the moms are cold and unfriendly towards you

[Anonymous]

I definitely want to hang out with you! You sound awesome.

Or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn't your bitchy resting face enough to deter them?

Wow, you don't even know me. I said that I am polite and obviously not good at deterring conversations or I wouldn't feel the need to post here. I cannot always attend my DC's games because I am shuttling older DCs to other activities, so I try to really focus on the game.

After the third missed play (my DC is 9, so he's not some super-star athlete) that I had to lie to my son that I saw when I didn't, I'm trying to come up with some solutions.

You represent everything bad about DCUM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The parents of my DC's ball team are very, very chatty. I just want to go watch my child play and try to be polite but not initiate conversations, but I've missed plays my son has made because some other parent is telling me about their job, divorce, etc.

I've tried standing at the fences, but my other DCs want to sit in the bleachers.

Any helpful techniques? DH suggests I should wear headphones, but I think this would look weird considering I have other DCs with me. DH is usually on the field with the players.

What sport? If baseball/softball, score the game. That's what I do. People won't bother you then, and you're actually helping the coach. Use one of the digital apps and it compiles stats.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't your bitchy resting face enough to deter them?

Wow, you don't even know me. I said that I am polite and obviously not good at deterring conversations or I wouldn't feel the need to post here. I cannot always attend my DC's games because I am shuttling older DCs to other activities, so I try to really focus on the game.

After the third missed play (my DC is 9, so he's not some super-star athlete) that I had to lie to my son that I saw when I didn't, I'm trying to come up with some solutions.

You represent everything bad about DCUM.

Yes, many ppl on DCUM are very bad at the 7 "Ps" for effective collaboration and communication, one of which is "Presume Positive Intentions." It's like folks start out assuming the worst of their DCUM-mates.

[Anonymous]

Wear headphones

[Anonymous]

Keep your eyes on the game while others are attempting to talk, and don't be shy about interrupting to cheer, etc. They'll take the hint, and I'd doubt they'll mind. I wouldn't.

It seems so straightforward to me that I would perceive you as strange if you chose to wear headphones instead.

[Anonymous]

I would focus discussion on the game at hand. How many outs? Runner on 2nd? Do you think they'll bunt? How does the pitcher look? Think he'll throw a fastball or change up here?

Seriously- just talk about the game and show that's what you're focused on. I agree with you OP- I want to watch the game. My son is much older (junior) but I sit with another dad who feels similarly and we just talk about the game.

I also agree with the scorebook suggestion. But that's a lot of work and can take enjoyment away from just watching the game too.

[Anonymous]

You can still talk and watch the game, no? I chat at DC's games all the time and haven't missed anything important they've done. Not sure what the problem is here - maybe ADHD?