It’s not even Talk-Like-A-Pirate Day today, but my tonsils are red and battered nonetheless. I attribute it to all the gruff “me hardies” and exaggerated “arrrrrgggghhhhs” I belted out at College Place Elementary this afternoon. I was on Watchdogs duty in Sarah’s first grade class and quickly found myself terrorizing the seven seas (or playgrounds as the case may be) during recess. It was a swashbuckling experience full of squealing girls and invisible swordplay. You could say I started something I was not prepared to finish…ever.

If you don’t know what WatchD.O.G.S. are, well the “D.O.G.S.” part stands for Dads of Great Students. It’s an excellent national program I’ve been blessed to be a part of this entire school year. The idea behind Watchdogs is to get men more involved in their kids’ education and school life. Studies have shown that just having an adult male presence volunteering in the classrooms and hallways of public schools, actually helps kids feel more secure, fosters better academic performance, and decreases violence and other trouble areas later on. And what I really love about the program is that as a Watchdog, the program will take whatever time you, as a dad, uncle, grandpa or brother, are willing to give. It’s not about quantity, but quality. Just having “Dad” there for a little while actually makes a difference. If it’s an hour a year, they’re cool with that. A day a week, that’s even better. I try to volunteer for an hour a month and it really doesn’t impact my work schedule all that much.

Sometimes I eat lunch with the girls and their friends in the cafeteria. Other times, like today, I help out with math games and pirate impersonations. The teachers are happy to have you, the kids (at that age) think you are some kind of super hero (or clown as the case may be), and you have the satisfaction of giving in a small way to these cute little-people-in-progress who need some time and attention.

 Being a watchdog also gives you an appreciation for what teachers do all day. I’m not kidding. Teachers should make more $$$ than lawyers in my opinion. After only one hour a month I can say that teaching elementary school is truly the most challenging profession—even with summers off. My saintly wife volunteers in the classroom a couple times a week for multiple hours (I can’t imagine…)

But I’d be lying if I told you I was a Watchdog for all those other good reasons above. The main reason I do it is because I love my girls so much. They are always delighted to see me show up. I don’t necessarily get it. I’m the same grumpy dad they see in the morning, evening and weekends. But just entering their world for 60 minutes or less means something special to them. Sarah just about glows each time.

So today, as the pirate said his goodbyes and freed his valiant 1st grade captives back to their classroom, Sarah beamed and told me, “That was the funnest recess ever! I’ll always love you, Dad.”

I just smiled and thought, Aye, ye wee landlubber, aye.