What do you think is the most accurate predictor of student academic success? I.Q.? Family income? Race? Nationality? Religion? Though all these factors can be forecasters of school performance, there is one that is even more strongly correlated to a student’s academic achievement. It is the mother’s educational level. In other words, mothers who have advanced educational training often have children who achieve well in school. The opposite is true. Children of mothers who have not gone on to higher levels of education tend to struggle in the classroom. This points out the great importance a parent model is to successful school performance.

My kids have the great misfortune to have a father who is not effective with repair and maintenance around the house. They see that every time he picks up a hammer his thumb gets bigger. They also observe how house projects are neglected or endlessly delayed by this reluctant home improver. Sad to say, a result of this poor modeling is none of my sons are handy. My poor wife suffers the consequences of this lack of male development in our home.
Just as modeling is important in helping children develop carpentry and repair skills, a parent’s modeling is critical in helping children develop academic skills and interests. Since we are soon celebrating another Father’s Day, it is good time to mention some of the strategies fathers can employ to help their students do well in school.

One key is to be a life-long learner. If children see their dads reading and learning, they tend to see these activities as important and enjoyable. A great gift a dad can give to his children is to frequently allow them to catch him reading. Likewise, a young father can have a big impact on his children’s interest in reading if he reads to them from a young age onward. This can be as enjoyable an activity as playing games with a child.

Another way a father can help motivate school success it to take an interest in his children’s progress in school. Asking children what they learned each day when they get home from school is a great way to help young people know the importance of paying attention and gaining knowledge every day they are in school. Likewise, reviewing the children’s papers and grades each evening goes a long way to helping the young people understand that school is important.

Another way to show a supportive learning attitude is to get active in the children’s schools. Children of active school parents tend to do better academically. Fathers can be active through volunteering in school during the day or helping with parent groups at night. There are many ways to help out at school. Just call your children’s school offices for ideas.
Attending parent-teacher conferences is another way to show interest and support. Attending conferences shows that the father cares about the children’s school progress. It also sets up a partnership with the teachers and the school. This happens when the father asks the teachers how he can help out at home and follows through to help promote learning.
Setting high standards for school performance is also an important strategy a father can use. While these standards need to be realistic, it is important to let children know their father believes they are capable and expects them to do well in the classroom. This expectation applies both to grades and behavior.

These are just a few ways dads can make a difference in their children’s school success. Many others could be mentioned. The main thing to remember is this: When the father demonstrates that learning and school achievement are important to him, his children will likely take school more seriously and find greater school success. Children often strive to perform to the level of their parents’ expectations and examples.

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