Hey Dads, school’s back in session! Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned vet, the question always comes up: “How do you stay involved in your child’s education while balancing a busy schedule?” Super Dad’s got you covered with a few simple tips. Spoiler: Time management, and clear, consistent communication are the keys to success.
Join your school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
There are varying levels of commitment, but you can get involved simply by becoming a member and attending monthly meetings. If you can’t make it to meetings, many PTAs send out informational emails and newsletters about events throughout the school year. The PTA’s goal is to bring the school community together through special events, so volunteering at these or joining a planning committee is a great way to get involved.
For me, after two years of PTA membership, I took the next step and became an officer. I’m now in my second year as vice president and truly enjoying it! As a stay-at-home parent, this role has helped me connect with other adults and expand my social network.
Volunteer in the classroom
Even if you can’t make it happen weekly, sign up once or twice a year to read a book or help with centers in your child’s class. This is especially exciting for younger kids who still think their parents are cool! For older kids, sign up to chaperone an event like a school dance or field trip.
There may be other opportunities throughout the year, like helping with the book fair or monitoring lunch or recess. Some employers even offer a small bucket of paid hours each year for community service like this.
Help with homework
Setting up a regular time and place each day to sit down with your child and go over homework can make a real difference in their academic and classroom performance.
Whether your child is in preschool, elementary, middle, or high school, helping them build time management and goal-setting skills matters. This can be as simple as reading together, helping edit a paper, or walking through a math or science problem. Taking the time to show them how to responsibly use the internet for research or how to use AI tools wisely is critical to their education, especially as they head into high school and start exploring college and career options.
If getting involved at your child’s school is new for you or it feels intimidating, you can start small by showing up to back-to-school night and introducing yourself to the teacher. It goes a long way! If you can’t make events in person, even virtual options like attending a meeting on Zoom or joining a committee over email can make an impact.
Until next time… up, up, and away!Â
About the Author:
Ben Mills is a full-time at-home dad, who, together with his wife, has two kids, ages 8 and 5. He is a Tucson native who now resides in Avondale. Ben currently serves as the Co-Organizer of Phoenix Dads Group: A dynamic, diverse and inclusive community of fathers dedicated to being active in their children’s lives and, by example, redefining what it means to be a dad in the 21st century.Â
