In an ideal world, both parents share the responsibility for their child’s education. However, in reality, it often feels like one parent is shouldering the entire load. This year, I’m making a concerted effort to remind my child’s school that her father is just as important in her educational journey as I am.
As the back-to-school season approached, I found myself inundated with welcome emails from the school. This time, I decided to take action. I crafted a straightforward message to the principal:
“Dear Principal Thompson,
We are excited about the new school year. Please ensure that [my partner’s name] is added to your email distribution list for all communications. It’s crucial for our family that he receives relevant updates and information moving forward.”
Once I hit “send,” I felt a rush of empowerment. This year, there would be no special treatment reserved solely for fathers when they make an appearance at school. My small act of activism was a clear message: both parents share the responsibility for our child’s education.
The tendency for schools to assume I am the sole advocate for our daughter’s success is frustrating for both my partner and me. Whenever I attend school events, he often fades into the background, overlooked by educators eager to engage with the presence of a dad. If he manages to voice an opinion, the attention he receives is disproportionate. It’s as if his insights are miraculous, while my contributions are expected. This disparity can be disheartening for mothers who never receive the same leniency—dads merely need to show up while moms are scrutinized.
Today’s fathers are involved in diverse ways, whether they are stay-at-home dads, PTA volunteers, or actively engaged in their children’s hobbies. The stereotypical distant father figure has become a relic of the past. My own upbringing was shaped by an engaged father who participated fully in my education. For me, having an active father figure in my life is the norm, not the exception.
This is why I sent that email. I wish for the school to consider my presence as ancillary, akin to how they treat fathers. Imagine a school year where I could walk in without expectations weighing me down—no pressure to perform, just the freedom to be present. But this is a fantasy; instead, we need to elevate expectations for both parents. My partner should be included in all school communications, and when volunteer opportunities arise, I’ll ensure that he is the one to step up.
After I made my intentions clear, another father chimed in, offering details about an upcoming meeting. It felt good to see other dads taking initiative too.
For more insights on the evolving role of fathers, you can check out another one of our blog posts here. If you’re exploring options for at-home insemination, reputable resources like Make A Mom offer great kits. Additionally, the CDC provides valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In conclusion, it’s time for schools to acknowledge the involvement of both parents, especially fathers. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive environment that benefits all families.
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