Becoming involved in your child's activities and education benefits both parent and child. Parent involvement results in improved self-esteem, better communication between parent and child, and increases in classroom success. Fortunately there are several ways that parents can become involved. It is also the opportunity of a lifetime to build memories with your child.
Spend Time with Your Child
The first place to begin is by spending time with your child. This time can be spent talking, reading together or playing games. Let your child know that you value his ideas. Practice listening without interruption and engage in meaningful dialogue. Reading to your child, listening to your child read and playing games together are all valuable ways that you can have a shared experience with your child.
Join the School PTA
The PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) fosters communication between school and home, and provides tools to parents to help their children become more successful learners. According to an article published by the National PTA, "Parent involvement is crucial to the health and well-being of a child. As a parent, you are the most important influence in your child's success in school and in life. In this role, you have a fresh opportunity every day to get involved with your child."
Volunteer
Volunteering to help supervise on a school field trip or read aloud in the school library allows your child to see you in an active role within her world. Through volunteering you will also be demonstrating the skills of leadership and being a part of a community. According to the "Edmonton Journal," "Whether you volunteer at your child's school, are involved in your school council or attend public board meetings, you are demonstrating the importance of education to your children and contributing to their chances of realizing their true potential."
Help with Extracurricular Activities
Offering to print off the recital programs for a music teacher or bring some refreshments to the next Little League game shows your child that you are interested in his activities. Being involved in your child's activities is one of the greatest rewards of parenthood. It helps your child's self-esteem, and the two of you will create new memories to last a lifetime.
Continue Involvement Through High School
Staying involved with your child's school and outside activities through middle and high school is just as important as during her younger years. Educators at Learning Point Associates state, "Parents of secondary students often are unsure how to help their children, and many high schools do not make parent involvement a high priority. But research shows a link between parent involvement in high school and future student success." Talk to your child's teachers, monitor his school work, and help your child plan for the years following high school.
