BACK TO SCHOOL…AND BACK TO BEING DAD

Well, here we are. It's early August.

You know what that means. The stores have already decided summer is over. The swimsuits are pushed into a lonely clearance rack, and every aisle is suddenly packed with notebooks, crayons, glue sticks, backpacks, and even SOME Halloween stuff!!!!

Now, if you're a married dad living under the same roof, this time of year usually means checking supply lists, trying to find shoes that somehow fit after your child grew two sizes over the summer, and wondering why a box of 24 crayons suddenly costs as much as a steak dinner.

But there's another group of dads. The single dads. The divorced dads....that was ME!

The every-other-weekend dads. Maybe you're thinking, "Mike...I don't even have the kids when school starts."

Maybe your ex has already bought the backpack. Maybe she already took them shopping.

Maybe she already met the teacher. And maybe...if you're honest...you're feeling a little left out. I understand. Again...That was ME!

It's easy to think that back-to-school isn't really your job anymore. But let me suggest something. For little kids—first grade, second grade, third grade—you are still a huge part of making school feel exciting and safe and part of life. Little kids don't remember who bought the spiral notebook. They remember who made them feel brave to get on the school bus for the first time.

Maybe you don't get to take them to orientation. But you can still ask them about their classroom.

You can still tell them how excited you are for them.

You can still tell them that learning is one of the greatest adventures they'll ever have.

You can still help them practice tying those new shoes. You can read with them.

You can ask them to show you how they write their name.

You can celebrate the fact that they sounded out a new word.

If they're nervous—and almost every little kid is—you can tell them about your first day of school. Tell them about wondering if you'd make friends. Tell them about getting lost in the hallway...or getting on the wrong bus. Kids don't need a superhero. They need to know Dad understands. Especially if you're not with them every day

Have school supplies at your house too. A box of crayons. Some pencils. A ruler. Glue. Construction paper. Maybe a little homework station. When your child walks into your home after school, they shouldn't feel like they're visiting. They should feel like they're home.

Also, don't compete with Mom. Don't try to out-spend her. Don't try to become the "fun parent." Be the steady parent. The encouraging parent. The one who asks, "What did you learn today?" The one who says, "I'm proud of how hard you're working." or if they're struggling, really try to understand the core problem. Be the one who celebrates effort—not just grades. Because first grade doesn't just teach reading.

It teaches confidence. Second grade teaches responsibility. Third grade starts teaching independence.....and Dad has a role in every one of those lessons.

Whether you tuck them into bed every night......or only every other weekend.

Never underestimate the influence you still have. A child's heart doesn't keep score with a calendar. It simply remembers who showed up. So, dads...if you've been wondering whether you still matter during back-to-school season...

The answer is absolutely yes. Your encouragement...Your attention...Your hugs...Your voice...those are school supplies no store can sell.

And they just might be the most important things your child carries into the classroom this year.