MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Around a quarter of all children in the U.S. grow up in a home without a father, according to a 2022 report of the U.S. Census Bureau. A national program is trying to bring men into children's lives as father figures — Watch D.O.G.S.
Schools in Maryville are hoping to implement the program soon after several men showed interest in it. Sam Houston Elementary School said they hope to have each participant spend a day at the school acting as a positive male role model and providing an extra set of eyes to watch over the children.
"We all worry about security in schools these days, and the Watch Dogs, they'll be patrolling the campus and checking the doors," said Kristy Weekley, a teacher in Montgomery Ridge Intermediate.
The school invited fathers, grandfathers, uncles, step-dads and adult brothers to serve at the school.
"Being a male role model, it's showing that you're there for your kids — that you can do a lot of the same things that mom does," said Dave Williamson, who is a father of a child in the school system.
Families of students at Montgomery Intermediate School are also stepping up to serve through the Watch D.O.G.S. program.
"School is normally dominated by female teachers. So, having the dad step in and provide that positive influence is what we're looking for," said Weekley. "We've got kids here that maybe don't have a father, or their fathers passed away. Or maybe their father doesn't live here in the state. I've heard that one a lot this week."
According to the American Psychological Association, fathers play an important role in how children's stress management behavior develops. The association also says maintaining a permanent and loving relationship with a father figure, can help children develop healthily.
"As a male figure in the community, it shows the community that you're worthy of being a steward of the community and teach kids how to do that," said Williamson.