*DADS IN SCHOOLS* Quiz: What Are The Top 2 Reasons Dads Don't Get Involved In Schools?
Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 11:00AM by John Badalament 
In a fascinating survey of over 16,000 dads nationwide, Three For Me, a National PTA program, asked them how parent groups and schools could reach them better, and what types of activities they wanted to be involved in at school and with their children. When asked why they didn't join a parent group or get involved at school, the top two responses were:
They didn't have time and They were never asked.
Both responses speak to the need for a "two way street": schools & parent groups do need to proactively reach out, invite, and cajole dads; dads also have an equal responsiblity to step out of their comfort zones and show up.
THE TAKEAWAY? DADS WILL MAKE TIME IF..."they are given a specific job, their skills are utilized, and the time and expecation of the activity is provided." This is critically important. At my daughter's school, our new Dads Group had its first major whole-school event, the Mother's Day Breakfast on Sunday. Over 110 people showed up, and judging by the looks on their faces, it was undoubtedly a success. The main reasons for our success in engaging over a dozen dads to make this event happen are:
1). Each dad was given a specific job or role, such as shopping, renting griddle, publicizing the event, etc.
2). Grilling, cooking and generally serving others were skills and interests that the dads have.
3). From the start the time and expectations for each dad were made clear.
Are we really too busy? Certainly not any more than moms or single dads are today. Do invitations help? Absolutely a good starting point...More about busyness and invitations to come...
Reader Comments (2)
Interesting post. I totally understand how work life balance is becoming more and more of a challenge for us these days. With more technology and increased demands we are doing more in a 24 hour period than we've ever done in the past. However giving an excuse on why you can't should be outlawed for not being involved in your childs life. In spite of the harsh reality dads are taking major steps towards involvement I just wish there was a billboard to advertise their efforts and actions. Check out "Strong Fathers, Strong Families" there are hundreds of involved dads in the schools. Although it's AMAZING to see their effort we still have a LONG way to go. Here is the link to their photo gallery. http://www.strongfathers.com/gallery.php
alvin - agreed...I think we need to highlight more and more the ways dads are getting involved in kids' lives. Strong Fathers is a great organization. I've actually been consulting with them this year to get their school program going. They are clearly doing amazing work.
thanks for the comment
john