Speed Read (tldr): Celebrate Dads, Grandpas, and Father Figures!
- Spent time to learn more about what dads will find most helpful and exciting so that you can increase the likelihood of their involvement.
- Dads, like all parents, have limited time. Host activities where the entire family can be involved and spend time with everyone they love.
- Don’t only celebrate in June – find ways to recognize them all year long! Just like moms, recognizing dads isn’t about one day but about seeing and valuing their contributions all year.
Read below for resources, tips, and the why!
In June we celebrate dads and all the people who act as father figures and help us succeed. Whether a father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, or other father figure, there is no wrong way to engage them at school and ensure they feel part of the lives of their kids, nephews, or other young people.
When working to engage and celebrate dads and other father figures, consider their interests, responsibilities, and roles in their families and communities. Here are some effective strategies that can help you recognize, celebrate, and involve all the men who are a part of the lives of your students:
Jump To...
Find out what dads are eager to do more of or learn about.
Spend time learning more about what dads will find most helpful and exciting so that you can increase the likelihood of their involvement.
- Use Possip! You could use a BQ that specifically asked dads about how engaged they feel in the lives of their students and what they wish they had more access to. One dad who is deployed overseas was able to share his ideas since Possip is done asynchronously: “Thank you. The school has been great. Also, I appreciate connecting with the school and my daughter’s schooling this way while I’m deployed overseas.”
- Online Communities: Create online forums or social media groups where dads can share experiences, ask for advice, and build a supportive network. Having a Facebook page where they can see photos, get calendar updates, and stay up to date can increase engagement among dads.
- Educational Content: Develop digital content such as blogs, podcasts, or video series on topics relevant to fathers and family life. Ask them if they might be up to create some of their own to share with the group.
- Check out All Pro Dad: This site is devoted to bringing dads and father figures closer to their kids’ lives.
Celebrate dads with activities that involve the whole family.
Dads, like all parents, have limited time. Host activities where the entire family can be involved and spend time with everyone they love as they celebrate dad.
- Parenting Workshops: Offer workshops on fatherhood, child development, and parenting techniques tailored to dads.
- Family Events: Organize family-friendly events encouraging dads to participate, such as sports days, picnics, or camping trips. “Donuts with Dads” or “Breakfast Bunch” can be great low-lift opportunities for people to get into your school.
- Father-Child Activities: Create opportunities for dads to spend quality time with their children through reading programs, DIY projects, or science experiments. Help dads become “Homework Heroes” by giving them tips to assist their kids.
- Athletic Programs: Develop fitness classes or sports leagues for dads, such as dad-and-me yoga, basketball leagues, or running clubs.
- Workshops and Seminars: Offer workshops on various topics such as financial planning, home maintenance, cooking, or technology skills.
And remember, these don’t have to just be for dads- any family member can join in, as long as they are interested!
Don’t only celebrate dads in June - find ways to recognize them all year!
Just like moms, celebrating dads isn’t about one day but about seeing and valuing their contributions all year.
- Awards and Recognition: Highlight the contributions of fathers through awards or recognition programs in the community or workplace.
- Father’s Day Events: Organize special events to celebrate Father’s Day, honoring the role of dads in their families and communities.
Finally, remember to be flexible. Most dads, like most parents, work during the day. Ensuring they can find ways to be involved outside the regular school day is critical. Offering conferences after school hours or on Zoom and hosting student performances first thing in the morning or the evening can increase the likelihood of their attendance.
Addressing these various aspects can create a holistic approach to engaging and celebrating dads, supporting them in their roles, and fostering community and involvement.
