The Importance of Parental Involvement in Schools for Student Success

Every student has unlimited potential. But there are contributing factors that can affect whether they eventually live up to that potential. Experts believe that a parent’s role in a child’s life has far-reaching impact. Parental involvement is extremely important for a child to do well in school.

Some parents may think that it is the teachers’ role to teach, not theirs. But such a belief does both the parents and the children a disservice. Children don’t start and stop learning only during the school day. They are always attuned to learning, at home, with friends, and through other influences.

Providing Necessary Guidance

It is important for parents to be the steering wheel on the vehicle of learning, providing guidance and information along the entire journey, so that their children stay on course and are not distracted or dissuaded from reaching their academic potential.

The importance of parental involvement has been well documented for some time.  Studies continue to indicate that a parent’s role in children’s learning is critical to their academic achievement.

Many of the studies further show that the most important time to get involved is when children are at the elementary level of schooling. These early years provide parents the most opportune time to explore the world with their children through a variety of fun and helpful learning activities. Exploring nature, reading books together, teaching children basic tasks such as gardening, cooking, building, and so on, are all meaningful activities that reinforce children’s desire to continue to learn new things.

As children get older, parents should continue to be involved in their kids’ schoolwork and ensure that they are engaged in their education.

Benefits of Parental Involvement

There are many benefits that come from early parental involvement in a child’s learning behavior. These include the following:

• Parents and children enjoy a deeper interaction
• Children who received schooling at home tend to do better on standardized tests
• Children show improved self-esteem and self-worth, improved confidence and better behavior
• Children complete homework more easily and consistently
• Children receive better grades on tests and attendance
• Parents are more aware of what their children are learning and can pinpoint key areas or subjects that the children may need additional help in

A Parent’s Role in Education

Part of being involved in your children’s lives includes ensuring they are engaged and challenged in their educational environment, as well as supporting their learning along the way. Look for more ways you can be involved in your child’s education, including reading to the younger children, helping them with their homework, and looking for ways to learn outside of the school day.

It’s also important that children enjoy the learning process. If your child is not happy in school, consider other alternatives such as online learning. Online schools also allow parents to have a greater role in their children’s education. Visit K12.com for more information about online schools.