Written by: Dan Welch, Colorado Department of Human Services

Summer vacations are coming to an end. Now is the time for fathers specifically to jump-start their involvement in their child’s education. Dads can play an important role in improving a child’s academic performance, helping them connect with friends and ensuring their safety at school. As August rolls on, dads are working to make the transition from summer to school as seamless as possible for their children.

Education is crucial to a child becoming successful later in life. Research continues to show that when fathers are actively involved in a child’s life that child is more likely to do well in school and less likely to repeat a grade or drop out. By simply asking a few of the right questions, fathers can learn more about their child’s life at school and also build a stronger, more connected relationship.

There are a variety of ways fathers can help prepare their children for school and taking an active role in their academic success:

Set a routine. Have your family return to their school schedule two weeks before the school year begins. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.This will help the entire family adjust and not feel sleep deprived once the first day of school arrives.

Schedule check-ups and immunizations. Are your child’s shots current?  Most schools will not allow children to attend if they do not meet current immunization requirements. Check with your child’s pediatrician or with the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition at www.childrensimmunization.org to see what vaccines your child needs to start the school year.

Get organized. Help your child start off on the right foot by making sure their supplies and activities are well organized. Check off the school supply lists well before the first day. Work with your child to create a calendar outlining their in school and after school activities.

Become involved. Once school starts, make a point to look at your child’s homework each night. Engage your child in conversations about what they are studying, what interests them the most at school or any concerns they may have about their teachers or classmates. Volunteer to be a chaperone on the next school field trip or function. Join the PTA or Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) groups in Colorado. Watch D.O.G.S., supported by the National Center for Fathering, provides positive male role models for students and schools by organizing fathers and father-figures to volunteer one day each year in a variety of school activities. Find out more at www.fathers.com

Meet the teacher. Most schools have open house nights set aside for students and parents to meet teachers and see their child’s school. If an open house day is not available, plan on attending parent teacher conferences later this fall.

Remember when you where starting a school year. Think about your fears and worries and try to put yourself in your child’s situation.  Remember how your father, or father figure, helped you, or how you would have liked them to help you.  Thinking in this way will help you assist your child in this stressful time of their life.

Dan Welch works with The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative and is a Broomfield father.