Dads that help out at school know how good it feels when they see their child's proud face and the rewards that come from their involvement.

Research consistently shows that the more a father is involved and supports his kids at school, the better the academic and social success for both boys and girls. Research also suggests parental involvement fosters stronger family bonds and encourages resilience in children – that ability to ‘bounce back' from life's setbacks – and the benefits are limitless.

What can you do at school?

• Ask the boss for one morning off a week or one morning a month to walk your kids to school or to do a school-based activity. You will get to know their friends' parents at the front gate or inside the school.
• A barbecue is a great social magnet, where you can meet lots of other parents and teachers. Dads in Education is an organisation that can help you hold a father's day barbecue at the school or volunteer to man the barbecue at the school fete.
• If you're keen on a particular sport, you could help out with coaching a school team.
• See about joining the P&C or a different school committee to get a more hands-on role in your child's education.
• If you have expertise in a particular subject area (such as science, spelling, reading or maths) see if you can help with these subjects in the classroom.
• The Engaging Fathers Program has developed some school resources to help fathers become more involved in their schools.
• Got other ideas? Speak to your child's teacher or principal about your ideas and how you might like to be involved.

Read more, or post a comment about this article in Dad's the Word, Issue 2 of NSW Public School's School Parents ezine.