On the theory that there are no "dumb" questions: Being from California and not having excessive time off from work, (nor an overflowing bank account) how do "most" parents handle I-Day v. Parents' weekend? I will be out of the country on I-Day and knew this going into it that this might be a possibility. I had thought I'd go to Parents' weekend only, but everyone keeps saying, "See you on I-Day". I realize the struggle will be like this for the next 4 years, but just looking for ideas from other long-distance parents. Thanks in advance. (If this should go on another thread, please feel free to re-route me).
You can see many, many threads on this...search I-Day and PPW. From what I've seen, if you can only go to one, many families choose PPW, as PPW offers way more time with your Plebe off-Yard, and is a welcome respite for them near the end of a long summer. No overnights, but long periods on Fri, Sat, Sun off-Yard. There is much to talk about, and your plebe can finally relax.
I-Day offers the opportunity to join thousands of other parents seeing their son or daughter disappear into Alumni Hall in the AM, to be glimpsed shorn and dressed all alike, taking the oath in T-Court many hours later, and a final 15 minutes for a fast good-bye. If you cannot make it on I-Day, chaplains and others will be with your DS or DD during the 15 minute period, offering a cell phone for a call. Or perhaps another family from your area is going and can keep an eye out. The oath-taking will likely be on YouTube
Many plebes, especially college applicants and prior enlisted (who actually report the day before) arrive solo. That used to be the norm many years ago, before the day expanded into what it is now. My DH took the train from Philly to Baltimore, took a taxi to Gate 1, and walked in. No parent events at all. Different parenting times.
Suggest googling USNA Induction Day Class of 2020 and USNA Plebe Parents Weekend Class of 2020, to get a feel for the schedules. Those are usually still up until the May time-frame, when 2021 will go up.
Discuss with your DS or DD what feels right for them. There are many families for whom two Annapolis trips with airfare, hotels, meals at a time when the town is jammed - and high season rates - is a stretch too far. Feel no guilt. If you have raised your DS or DD to handle tough situations solo, they can handle reporting in by themselves. The day will go by in a blur for them anyway.