Connecting Fathers to Their Child's Education

When fathers are actively involved in their child's education, children perform better academically and socially. Fathers bring unique strengths to their child’s learning journey, offering guidance, encouragement, and a fresh perspective. As a dad, you can inspire your child’s love for learning and set the stage for lifelong success. Building this connection requires consistent effort and intentional engagement. Here at Furthering Fathering, we are often asked to attend father engagement activities within the education and early learning systems where fathers are celebrated for the moment which is commendable but what’s next?

Father Figures Matter Movement

Children with involved fathers are more likely to earn higher grades, develop stronger social skills, and avoid risky behaviors. Fathers’ encouragement helps children believe in their abilities and strive for excellence. Moreover, when dads show interest in school activities, children feel a greater sense of importance and motivation toward education. So, if this is the case, the question becomes, what’s next?

Dads can support their children by helping with homework, discussing school experiences, or exploring educational topics together. Visiting the library, attending school events, or simply talking about future aspirations demonstrates that you value their education. This involvement creates a positive feedback loop, reinforcing your child’s belief in their potential.

Furthering Fathering has pulled the data off the paper and given it legs and produced handouts to put into every father and father-figure’s hand with practical steps, “7 Small Steps to Contribute to your Child’s Academic Success”. During each of the school events that we are invited to, we make sure to share the data and the 7 small steps to success. As the saying goes, “if you don’t know, now you know”. In addition, we encourage our fathers to attend your child’s next parent-teacher meeting or school event, discuss their academic goals and help them create a study schedule. Make learning a shared journey by reading a book together or exploring a new topic online and especially celebrate their achievements, big or small, and reinforce their confidence and enthusiasm whenever they are challenged or miss the mark.