Donuts with Dad

Sometimes really good ideas get complicated. As they sat around the cafeteria table in a staff meeting, a light bulb went off for one of the early elementary teachers. “I know how we can get dads into the school and more engaged with their kids’ education! Let’s do an event with coffee and donuts. We’ll publicize it really well and make it impossible for them to say no.” And so, “Donuts with Dad” was born.

Claire was well aware of the event and hoped her twin Kindergartners would be none the wiser, as it would be held before the start of school one Friday. But Claire’s hopes were dashed when one of her “littles” excitedly rushed off the bus holding out the flyer and declaring, “dad is coming!” Sadly, dad wasn’t coming. She knew this would be yet another way her children would feel the sting and stigma of their current family dynamics since her husband had left the family the year before.

Later that evening, as Claire was still wrestling with how to gently let her kids know dad wasn’t coming, she remembered Mark from her Support Team. Mark loved her kids, so maybe he’d be willing to pinch hit. Stale donuts, weak coffee, excitable small children and awkward explanations with teachers and administrators? Who would turn that down? It’s not easy asking for help, but Claire took a chance and did!

Mark showed up to the elementary school that morning, waited in line, took pictures, answered awkward questions and ate donuts with two of his favorite little people - and loved every minute of it. While not their “dad,” he is a dad… and what could have been another reminder of their father’s absence instead turned into a happy morning.

Support Teams are there for you. Reach out when you have a need, whether it’s a “usual” need or a crazy, outside-the-box idea… the biggest impact may not be on you or your kids, but the one filling that need.

[Note: Child Protection protocols were followed. Mark had a background check in place with his local church, was met at the school by Claire and handed the children off to teachers right after the public event.]