BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Local schools are taking part in Dads Take Your Child to School Day, a national effort to encourage fathers and father figures to get involved at their child's school.
"Not only does it help a child with their academic issues but it also helps with mental health issues," says Rafael Perez, Principal at Frank Sedita Academy in Buffalo. "There will most likely be less drug and gang involvement. A dad that's involved will be able to provide a sample or model for their child to follow."
Frank Sedita Academy is just 1 of 15 Buffalo schools participating this year. Dads are asked to make a pledge to impact behaviors in ten areas that will enhance educational outcomes. Those include making the effort to read to their child, being more involved in their child's school and being a mentor to other kids in need.
A study in the Journal of Marriage and the Family surveyed 1,250 fathers. It found that children whose fathers were largely present for meals, leisure time and homework were significantly better in academics than those whose dads weren't active in those aspects of a kid's life.
If you want to increase your role in your kid's academic life here are some tips from the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse:
- Check your child's homework
- Join a parent organization at school
- Be a chaperone at the next school function or trip
- Talk regularly with your child's coaches and teachers
You can find more information like this right now at the Fatherhood Clearinghouse website.
