Parental Involvement means different things at different ages. When your child is a toddler, parental involvement can be taking her to a mommy and me class. When she is in grade school, parental involvement could be chaperoning a field trip or taking snacks into her classroom. When your child is a teenager, an example of parental involvement is showing an interest in her interests or sharing a hobby. No matter her age or stage, being an involved parent is fun and rewarding for everyone.
Academic Achievement
When you are involved in your child's classroom and take an active interest in his schoolwork he will excel academically. A study by the Harvard Family Research Project showed that parental involvement directly affects student achievement. The researchers found that students whose parents were involved earned better grades and scored higher on standardized tests than students whose parents were less involved.
Healthy Children suggests scheduling a time each week to help out in your child's classroom. The website lists reading to the students, helping them on computers or leading a craft project as ways to get involved. If your schedule does not permit a regular classroom visit, try to participate in one or two activities throughout the year, such as chaperoning a field trip or a holiday party.
Behavior
Parental involvement helps prevent and end bad behavior. "When parents are involved in a child's life, they are able to model how their children should act. An involved parent can set an example of the behavior he expects from his child," says Dr. Elise Abromson, Child Psychologist. The more you are involved in your child's life, the more he can see what society expects from him behaviorally.
Children whose parents are involved in the classroom also tend to behave better because they know you are watching. "When parents are present in the classroom, or in the child's life in general, they know there is an adult who will provide consequences for undesired behaviors," says Dr. Abromson.
Peer Pressure
As children grow and develop they yearn to assert their independence. Parents struggle between protecting them and allowing them to enjoy more freedom. However, your child will be able to handle peer pressures more easily if you remain an involved parent, even if your child resists your involvement.
One way to stay involved in your teenage child's life without cramping his style is talking to him privately about negative influences he may be experiencing. Family Education advises parents to start important conversations with your child. Don't wait for him to come to you. The website suggests parents be open and honest about sensitive subjects.
Another suggestion Family Education lists is working with your child to set fair rules, such as curfews. Your child will appreciate being involved in making decisions that affect her life. She will also appreciate your involvement in her safety and her ability to navigate the pressures that come with being a teenager.
References
- Family Education: When Kids Become Too Cool for Their Parents
- Harvard Family Research Project: Parental Involvement and Student Achievement: A Meta-Analysis
- Healthy Children: How to Get Involved With Your Child's School
- Dr. Elise Abromson, PsyD., Licensed Child Psychologist, Frederick, MD.
