As a former cross country runner, I'd have to think that it's the worst. Drive awhile to watch a three mile race where I don't think that I remember the crowds cheering(?) when I ran. Long assed track meets would have to be second, unless you previously ran track yourself.

Frankly I nevertheless enjoyed them all as a parent.

Best: Pheasant Hunting! Great activity for parents and their kids and yeah man the dog too!

It is a good activity. Some of my favorite memories of my grandfather was going pheasant hunting with him and my dad when I was a young teen. Enjoy it with my dad and brother now that the Colonel (grandfather) has passed and watching the dog work while getting a good walk in.

Track if your kid sprints. Like 45 seconds of your kid in action.

Best: Pheasant Hunting! Great activity for parents and their kids and yeah man the dog too!

Yeah that's pretty good -- never had track and field parenting except once in junior high -- it was pretty shortlived.

I do enjoy it when they are participating of course, and it is definitely worth the time. Never thought about cross country -- you just see them run away and then wait a while for them to come back?

Track if your kid sprints. Like 45 seconds of your kid in action.

As a former cross country runner, I'd have to think that it's the worst. Drive awhile to watch a three mile race where I don't think that I remember the crowds cheering(?) when I ran. Long assed track meets would have to be second, unless you previously ran track yourself.

Frankly I nevertheless enjoyed them all as a parent.

This is probably my favorite. You know what time your child is going to run. You can position yourself near the finish line to know how well they're doing. After a brief meeting with their coach you can leave after it's over. The drive is the only thing that would suck but I drive a lot daily anyway.

The non sporting events bother me most. My youngest daughter has competitions that make me want put a bullet in my head. Waiting 2+ hours to get finished with something that I can't see and then another 30 minutes to an hour waiting for the results.

That's reminds me of the worst competition. Chess. Hands down.

Junior high scholastic bowl.... holy hell.

Were the alley bars at least open? (Yes I know that's wrong)

Are you all quiet or loud parents at sporting events? Besides occasionally saying "good job" I never open my mouth. That can't be said about me pretty much anywhere else.

Junior high scholastic bowl.... holy hell.

Do parents actually come to watch Jr High Scholastic Bowl? I actually think scholastic bowl is an interesting game to watch. You can play along in your head or write down answers.

Best: Pheasant Hunting! Great activity for parents and their kids and yeah man the dog too!

Very few but i went to more than my share. If I’m going to support my kids athletics I feel as if supporting academics is probably even more important for me to be involved with (especially considering my kids athletic prowress).


The kids have a lot to learn. I’m pained when my kid misses an answer I know they know. And sometimes I swear more questions are unanswered than answered.

Are you all quiet or loud parents at sporting events? Besides occasionally saying "good job" I never open my mouth. That can't be said about me pretty much anywhere else.

Baseball is the worst. 2-3 hours of misery in the cold and dark multiple times per week