Fathers can be an important part of their children’s education. Learn practical ways to stay engaged and become a part of their learning experience.

The responsibility of being a father plays a vital role in children’s educational success. Parent involvement has primarily been a task of mothers. As schools try to be more father friendly, it is important to help fathers understand that their presence and involvement are important contributions to their children’s academic success.

Importance of Father Involvement in Children’s Education

Children with involved fathers have the following:

• Better communication skills at an early age
• Improved emotional regulation
• Higher grades and test scores
• Better math and reading skills
• Improved people skills
• Higher graduation rates
• Future educational goals (college, trade school, owning a business)

Ways to Be Involved in Your Child’s Education

Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences

It is important to build a relationship with your child’s teacher. The parent-teacher conference will help you learn more about your child’s strengths and things to work on at home. Attending these meeting is vital. Schools have designated nights for parent-teacher conferences. If you cannot attend, teachers will also meet with you at a more convenient time.

Throughout the school year, remember to check the following:

• Weekly folders or calendars
• Weekly emails or newsletters
• School website

Volunteer at School

Fathers can provide important volunteer roles in schools.

• Volunteer as a classroom parent or lunchroom monitor.
• Chaperone field trips and school activities.
• Work in the library or front office.
• Volunteer in the Parent Teacher Organization or the Parent Teach Association (PTO or PTA).

School and Classroom Calendar

• Look for after-school activities that you can participate in, such as fall festivals, bingo nights, art festivals, and spirit nights.
• Know when your children have tests or projects, and help them prepare.
• Know when the PTA or PTO meetings are held and attend at least one session.
• Plan to attend field trips or school activities in advance so you can get off work if necessary.

Be Involved in Your Child’s Education at Home

• Help your child with nightly homework.
• Assist your child in studying for tests or quizzes.
• Think of fun ideas for their class projects, and help them complete the assignments.
• Help your child learn outside of the classroom. Use public libraries, tutoring websites, community programs, and outdoor activities.
• Ask your child two things that were discussed at school and what he or she enjoyed or did not enjoy about the topic.

Resources

• National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Information for Parents
• National Parent Teacher Association
• Education World

Katrina Akande, Extension Specialist, Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, Pamela Ellison, Retired Teacher, Cincinnati Public Schools; and Isaac Fields, Undergraduate, Eastern Kentucky University

New September 2022, Being Involved in Your Child’s Education: Guide for Fathers, FCS-2712