I like to expose you to programs I’m learning about as my kids enter school. Yesterday I encouraged you to be in the classroom helping out. I assume a majority of my readers are moms. This is an important message for dads. You can pass it along to your husbands. Note: Don’t make it a point of contention in your marriage. Choose your words and timing wisely. It is better to say things like, “Abby looks up to you so much. It would mean a lot to her to see you at the school. I know you already do a lot, but maybe you’d consider it.” vs. “You need to be more involved in Abby’s life. This is something you should do.” Watch D.O.G.S. stands for Dads of Great Students. If your school does not have a Watch D.O.G.S. program in place, maybe you could help start it. A father’s role is so important in our children’s life. Here are their mission statements:
WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) – Engage men, inspire children, reduce bullying and enhance the educational environment at your school.
WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) – Is the father involvement initiative of the National Center for Fathering that organizes fathers and father figures in order to provide positive male role models for the students and to enhance school security. Today, more than 2276 active programs in 41 states participate in the WATCH D.O.G.S. Program.
Who are WatchDOGS? Fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, uncles, and other father figures who volunteer to serve at least one day a year in a variety of school activities as assigned by the school principal or other adminstrator.
Recognizing that positive male influences pay a pivotal role in helping children grow up to be well-rounded, secure and positive members of our society, I would love to encourage men out there to make their presence known in the schools. The school is often dominated by women, but a man’s influence is so important. Often times kids don’t have a positive male role model in their lives. My husband has joined up with this program. The goal is to get dad’s in school. The men involved promise to spend at least one day out of the year making their presence known at school. They are in the classrooms, out at recess, in the lunch room and around the campus. Children become very excited as they see their own dad willing to step into this important role. Consider looking into this program at or for your own school.
