OKMULGEE, Oklahoma – The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Head Start promoted father and child relationships by hosting an annual “Dad’s Day” event on March 10.
All fathers of the Head Start participants were invited to come and spend the day with their child at school and join them in various activities.
The dad and child duos spent time making a survival kit, which included small miscellaneous items, which were representations of small reminders.
After the survival kit was put together, the fathers were taken into the classroom by the hand of their son or daughter to complete an art project using paint.
The group of fathers and children then went to the Claude Cox Omniplex to play and grill burgers provided for the event.
Family Service Worker Marcus Jeffrey said he was pleased with the amount of dads, grandpas, and other father figures that had attended.
“It’s a really good day, a lot of fathers have come out,” Jeffrey said. “About 65-70 percent participation.”
In his position, he serves as what could be considered a liaison between the parents and the head start.
As a father himself, Jeffrey believes it is important for fathers to be involved with their child’s education and school.
He said some fathers tend to think that this part of parenthood is the mother’s job.
“I think children need that security and that structure,” Jeffrey said. “Fathers provide that.”
Father participant Sidney Watson said he and his son were enjoying their day together.
“I have three other ones at home and I work,” Watson said. “This gives me some extra time with him.”
Watson said he wishes other schools implemented these opportunities because time is limited with children.
The MCN Head Start Program has several locations across the reservation. For more information visit: www.muscogeenation.com.
