The title of this column, Fathers are Important, would seem to be a no brainer. Sad to say, in our society this may still be common sense, but it is no longer common knowledge. Increasing numbers of children are raised in homes that have no fathers. This may be a central reason why many African-American children struggle. Fifty-six percent of Black children are born into families where the biological father is missing. The loss of this father figure can be devastating to these and any children.
Schools see the importance of the father in student success. An active father figure is often a determining factor in student achievement. Homes where the father is interested in their academic progress typically have children that succeed in school.
What can fathers do to be a positive force in their children’s education?
First, they must know what is going on. It is more than the mothers’ responsibility to monitor their children’s progress. Keeping track of students’ daily grades and their quarterly report cards is one important way to stay tuned to their children’s success. Also important is talking to their children about school and asking them what they learned each day. Attending parent-teacher conferences is also a critical method for staying on top of student learning.
Fathers can also make a difference by attending school functions and showing an interest in what goes on at school. In this way, fathers give a clear message to their children: school is important. It also tells young people that sacrificing time for education is a worthwhile investment. The fathers’ attitude toward school is critical in the formation of the children’s attitude.
This can also be seen in supporting the teacher and the school. Assuming the teacher is right rather than the children when there is a conflict goes a long way to seeing the parent and teacher as a team that are pulling in the same direction. This does not mean that parents should blindly support the school on all issues. What it means is that such disagreements can best be done in private conversations. This way the children have the security of knowing that the key adults at home and at school are working together to help them do well.
Another important way for fathers to support their children’s academic progress is by being learners also. They can do this by modeling reading and growing in knowledge in their own homes. Young children look to fathers to see what is important and worthy of their time. Dads’ reading and gaining new information gives their children the message that life-long learning is important and enjoyable. This will encourage the young people to follow that example.
Fathers also can encourage school success by adding educational activities to the family fun. Visiting a museum, art gallery or a historical site does much to bring classroom learning alive for youth. This also provides young people with valuable background knowledge that will serve as a good context for future learning. Such experiences are also great family fun.
Finally, fathers play a key role in setting learning expectations for their children. Expecting them to work hard and do well in school goes a long way in creating the conditions necessary for learning growth. Also expecting their charges to pay attention and cooperate in school are keys to finding school success. Related to this, fathers need to set standards for their children’s time-management at home. Requiring reading and limiting T.V. and video game time are important life-long habits to establish.
So Happy Fathers Day to all you dads. Do not listen if people say you are unimportant to your children’s school success. You are one of their greatest influences. Your role as father is the most important one you have. Thanks for all you do to help your children learn and grow throughout their school years.
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