There are several ways dads can play an active role and be more involved in their child’s academics, both at home and at school.
Here are 6 ways to go about it.
1. Actively Monitor Schoolwork
Taking an active role in your child’s academics pursuit can be very beneficial in helping him/her succeed.
Kids can tell when daddy’s role only ends at paying fees and all, but is aware of their math struggles or an upcoming test.
One of the most important things you can do is to pay attention to what they are learning in school, ask questions, and help out with homework.
There’s almost no way they’ll be able to lose such memories.
Younger children tend to bring home projects, workbooks, and information from their teachers.
If your child is in elementary school, ask to go through his/her backpack with them as frequently as you can.
Take time to ask what they are working on, and show a genuine interest.
If your child is older, ask about specific classes. Instead of saying, “How was school?”, try saying, “What experiments did you work on in Physics today?”.
2. Be Present: Volunteer Your Time
Providing school fees, doing homework, etc. isn’t the only way to participate in your child’s academics pursuit.
There are a lot more ways to become more actively involved in your child’s academics, and one of the most effective is to actually spend time at their school.
Ask your child’s teacher or school administrator for a list of upcoming events with opportunities available for parents to volunteer or attend.
Pick one or more, depending on your convenience.
Amongst other things, it is a great way to interact with your child, their classmates, and teachers.
You can also volunteer with your talents. For example, if you are a skilled tailor, offer to help make costumes for the school play.
You can also volunteer to give a presentation to your child’s class. Your child will definitely be proud of you.
If their school hosts something like a career day, it could be a great opportunity for you to teach your child and her classmates about your job. Be present, be involved.
3. Open Communication With Their Teacher(s)
Your child’s teacher obviously plays a vital role in your child’s academics.
At the beginning of every school year, beginning this term, reach out to the teacher and establish an open line of communication.
Let him/her know you are interested in any feedback or comments they have to offer.
If it’s a new school or you haven’t already, try stopping by the classroom before or after school to introduce yourself.
Just say, “Hi, I’m Bisi’s dad, and I wanted to introduce myself. Please feel free to contact me if you feel there is anything about Jenny that I should know.”
You can also send an introductory text or WhatsApp message, depending on what is allowed at the beginning of the term.
You should also contact the teacher throughout the term if you have any specific concerns, or just to check up on them. A little ‘appreciation’ from time to time, wouldn’t hurt either.
A fine way to foster this relationship is by attending PTA meetings, so make it a priority.
Most schools regularly schedule meetings between parents and teachers. Put these occasions on your calendar well in advance so that you make plans to attend.
And please, try to respect boundaries. Schedule an appointment with your child’s teacher during regular business hours instead of calling her randomly at home or late at night.
4. Create An Enabling Environment
Even at a young age, your child will likely have take-home assignments.
You can contribute to their success by fostering a good learning environment at home.
Something like giving her a comfortable area in which to work.
Make moves to help them concentrate by limiting distractions in the school work area.
For example, not letting them do homework in a room with the TV on.
Designate an area of the home for school work.
It can be the dining table, a desk in your child’s room, or a corner in your home office, and establish a study routine for them.
Find a time that works for your child to do her homework and help her stick to that schedule.
5. Supplement The School Curriculum
You can make learning fun and impactful by planning activities around what your child is learning at school.
For example, if your child is studying something on History, there are a number of things you can do to make that come alive for him/her.
Try looking things up online, or taking a trip to a local history museum to see what exhibits they have on display.
If your child is really interested in biology classes, try to find some zoology or anatomy-based documentaries to watch with them or some cool books on the subject.
Again, the YouTube is a great resource.
6. Encourage Them To Fall In Love With Reading
Not only will your child need solid reading skills in school, but helping your child to become a reader will foster life-long learning.
One of the most effective ways to help your child become a better learner is to promote reading outside of the classroom walls.
You can do this by finding ways to make reading enjoyable for your child.
If your child is young, you can read storybooks together. Devote some time each evening to taking turns reading from a fun series like the Harry Potter collection.
Have you read: 5 Ways To Strengthen Father-Son Relationship
Set a good example by reading books yourself. If your child sees you relaxing with a book in the evening instead of the television, he will be more likely to adopt the same habits.
Don’t be afraid to use incentives.
They work like magic.
Have your child set a goal of reading a certain number of books every month. If she meets the goal, offer a reward such as a family outing for ice cream, or a new storybook.
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