The desire for your child to be successful in all endeavors is a trait you have in common with most parents. As such a parent, your child's education is likely at the forefront of your mind as he grows and develops. Staying involved in your child's education might be one of the best ways to ensure success if you are able to do so effectively.
The Facts
Parental involvement leads to higher graduation levels, better attendance and lower rates of suspension. Showing your child that you care about their academic development can boost her self-esteem and make her strive to meet the expectations you and her teachers set for her. Involving yourself with the school through advocacy and meeting with the teachers for parent/teacher conferences to become familiar with the curriculum might make your child understand that her schooling is an important part of the family routine.
Academics
Get to know your who is educating your child. A study published by the National Institute of Health finds that academic achievement is improved among students who had parents that took an active role in their education. Behavioral problems decrease when parents establish a working relationship with the teachers and school administrators, as the child has a sense that there is a team of people making sure that the rules are followed. In the absence of behavioral distractions, academic achievement improves.
School Activities
Extend your involvement to after-school activity hours to further boost your child's achievement level. Extra-curricular activities that nurture interests specific to your child can help boost his confidence at school. Your support is needed in much the same way as it is needed in the classroom to lend importance to these activities. Talk with your child's coaches and instructors, provide transportation and help your child decide what activities are important to him and why.
Considerations
Ask yourself often if your level of involvement is appropriate. If your child is feeling distressed when she generally has a positive attitude about her education, you might be intruding on her sense of independence at school or setting your expectations too high. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your level of involvement, evaluate which contributions are the most valuable and eliminate the rest. Daily contact with your child's teacher is rarely necessary.
References
- Michigan Department of Education; What research says about parental involvement in children's education; March 2002
- National Institute of Health; Parent Academic Involvement as Related to School Behavior, Achievement, and Aspirations: Demographic Variations Across Adolescence; Nancy E. Hill, et al.; October 2009
- Surf Net Parents: Parent Involvement in Extra-Curricular Activities
- The Center for Development and Learning; "Plain Talk"; Parents' Involvement in Children's Education; Craig T. Ramey, Ph.D. and Sharon L. Ramey, Ph.D.; October 2004
