According to the US Department of Education Family Involvement Partnership for Learning, many teachers believe that a lack of involvement from parents negatively impacts a child's grades and behavior at school. Parents who are involved in their child's education, whether by helping them with their homework or asking them questions about school, and play an active role in their lives have children who are well-behaved and get good grades.
Low Standards
When it comes to academic achievement, the sooner parents are involved in their child's education the better. According to the Michigan Department of Education, parents who take the time to read or help with homework have children who are better adjusted at school. Furthermore, parents who set high standards for their children and their grades and play an active role in meeting with educators or school officials have children who receive higher grades than students whose parents set low or no standards.
Lack of Involvement
Parents who work a lot or are away from home often have children who misbehave or perform poorly at school. This trend is even more true for children who are raised in single-parent homes. Due to the fact that they are now the sole proprietor of income, single parents may not be around to help with homework, often use wavering forms of discipline and are not seen as a consistent parental figure. In homes where one or both parents remarry to another person or family, children may have to compete with step-siblings for help or attention, thus negatively impacting their behavior and achievement at school as well.
Poor Learning Environment
According to the US Department of Education Family Involvement Partnership for Learning, children who watch more than 2 hours of television a day do more poorly at school than their peers who watch less television. Lack of a daily routine or a quiet, well-lit place to do homework and study may also negatively impact a child's grades and attention span at school. According to the organization, parents whose children do well at school play an active role in their children's television viewing habits. They also establish a family routine, including divding up chores and implementing certain hours of the day for homework, dinner and bed.
Other Considerations
There are many ways you as a parent can be more involved in your child's academic achievement. Set high standards and goals for your child and always ask about school. Make sure they arrive to school on time and do not skip class. Help with homework whenever you can and establish a relationship with your child's teacher or school supervisor. Talk to your children about what they want to be when they grow up and what it takes to get there. Most importantly, provide a loving, supportive and safe environment at home that fosters healthy communication and study habits.
References
- US Department of Education Partnership for Family Involvement in Education: Get Involved! How Parents and Families Can Help Their Children Do Better in School
- Michigan Department of Education: What Research Says About Parent Involvement in Children's Education in Relation to Academic Achievement
- Adoption.com: Single-Parenting and Children's Academic Achievement
