An exact definition of "parent involvement" depends on the group addressing the issue. The National Human Services Assembly notes, "There is no universal definition of what parental involvement entails." Schools focus on the parent and child roles related to the education process, while child service organizations link parental involvement to family building. The assembly links parent support of children as related to community development. All definitions include parent actions that promote the well-being of the child.
Significance
Parents "are the most important influence in your child's success in school and in life," according to the PTA. Studies reported by the San Diego Department of Education state that parent controls over a child's home television viewing and arrangement of supervised care or encouragement of after-school activities improved grades and academic achievement. Children encouraged to "master their own destiny," rather than relying on fate and simple luck, show significantly higher achievement levels in school.
Types
Parents' involvement in the lives of their children takes many forms. Home involvement, according to the Michigan Department of Education, involves establishing a family schedule to eat meals as a family. Other recommended routines, according to the department, involve setting firm rules for bedtime and setting up child chores that must done each day. Involvement in schools includes attending parent functions, reinforcing high expectations, working with children to complete homework and school projects and taking time to help children become involved in school activities. The PTA encourages full-time caregivers to meet the parents of their children's friends and take an interest in the child's interests. This places parents as an active participant in their child's life.
Considerations
Parent is a term used by many schools and government agencies to describe any primary care giver, and parental involvement should begin when the child is born or adopted. Children, according to the Michigan Department of Education, "need one or two respectful, supportive people in their lives." The supportive duo needs to provide the child with a role model or hero to set standards and provide a positive influence from birth. Small accomplishments must be recognized with reinforcement. Parents should encourage a sense of adventure in their charges and encourage and help in establishing a sense of confidence by assigning age-appropriate duties around the house. Children should also be allowed input regarding important decisions that impact their lives, according to the Michigan Department of Education.
Misconceptions
Some parents confuse time together with children as quality parent involvement. Simply driving a child to an activity is not active involvement in the child's life. Driving children to an event and actively participating by viewing their practice or participation, talking about the event on the way home and discussing the activity with other family members defines active involvement.
Expert Insight
The PTA states that parents must make the commitment to their children, and each day offers "a fresh opportunity" to be involved with the challenges and celebrations of life. The organization maintains that kids perform better in school with parent support and also "navigate more easily some of the challenges of growing up, such as bullying."
References
- National Congress of Parents and Teachers: PTA: Parent Involvement
- National Congress of Parents and Teachers: PTA: 100 Ways to Help Your Child and School Succeed
- National Human Services Assembly: Family Strengthening Policy Center
- San Diego County Office of Education: Parent Involvement and Student Achievement
- Michigan Department of Education: Parent Involvement = Student Achievement
