Are dads important? You bet they are! As a part of his #DadBeThere Fatherhood Initiative, Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino invites all dads to participate in “Dads Take Your Child to School Day” held on Tuesday, Sept. 20.
This is a great opportunity for fathers to show their children that education matters. “We want to see dads walking their youngsters into elementary school, or dads dropping off their high school student off at the school,” says Astorino.
Many schools will be hosting special programs to celebrate the day. Last year, 18 Westchester school districts participated and many have signed on again, including New Rochelle, Mt. Vernon and White Plains. Some youth bureaus, nonprofits and faith- based organizations that recognize the importance of having dad involved in their children’s lives are also getting on board this year.
“All dads need to be active in their child’s life. It doesn’t matter if dads are separated, divorced or incarcerated, what’s important is that they are involved,” says Astorino. “It’s important for the dad and important for the child.”
Astorino notes that statistics reveal children whose father is actively engaged in their life do better in school and in life. Children with fathers that are not involved are at high risk for dropping out of school, using drugs and doing jail time.
“It’s the little things – going to your kid’s game or concert – that make a difference,” says Astorino. They might not ask, but every kid scans the crowd to see if their parents are there.”
Check with your local school district for special events planned around the event or see westchestergov.com/fatherhood-initiative and get involved. Your child’s life depends on it.
