(IMO) Parent participation on I-day is mostly for the parents.
(Again, IMO) Parent participation during PPW is mostly for the Plebe. Each Plebe responds differently, so be flexible about what they want and need to do. Some may want to go into DC and sight-see, but others may just want to sleep, shower, and get "real" food.
Perspective: If you're not there on I-day, your Plebe will be "adopted" by another parent for the 15-30 minutes they have free. If you're not there during PPW, you'll miss being with them for roughly 30 hours of liberty. You'll miss seeing the look of pride as they approach you in Summer Whites for the first time. They'll miss having you provide "real" food and a hotel room where they can truly relax for the first time in 6 weeks.
On Sunday of PPW they must be on deck back in their required uniform (not the Summer Whites they wear during PPW) in time for formation at 1800, so most will feel the need to re-enter Bancroft NLT 1730. They often re-enter to the sounds of Christmas carols....
Note mostly to other Moms: No matter what, DO NOT CRY until your Plebe is out of sight on Sunday.
(Again, IMO) Parent participation during PPW is mostly for the Plebe. Each Plebe responds differently, so be flexible about what they want and need to do. Some may want to go into DC and sight-see, but others may just want to sleep, shower, and get "real" food.
Perspective: If you're not there on I-day, your Plebe will be "adopted" by another parent for the 15-30 minutes they have free. If you're not there during PPW, you'll miss being with them for roughly 30 hours of liberty. You'll miss seeing the look of pride as they approach you in Summer Whites for the first time. They'll miss having you provide "real" food and a hotel room where they can truly relax for the first time in 6 weeks.
On Sunday of PPW they must be on deck back in their required uniform (not the Summer Whites they wear during PPW) in time for formation at 1800, so most will feel the need to re-enter Bancroft NLT 1730. They often re-enter to the sounds of Christmas carols....
Note mostly to other Moms: No matter what, DO NOT CRY until your Plebe is out of sight on Sunday.