As parents, our children’s education is very important. When parents are involved in their child’s education, their chances for success increase. A study by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory indicated that when parents are involved, children:
- Receive better grades
- Attend school on a regular basis with less absenteeism
- Have improved social skills
- Graduate from high school and
- Attend college
But sometimes, other responsibilities interfere. It isn’t always possible to take time off from work to go on field trips or spend the afternoon at a school party. How then, can parents balance work and education, making sure their children succeed in school and meeting their job responsibilities?
Parental education in school doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to be present in school for every party and for every field trip. According to the Partnership for Family Involvement in Education, there are a number of specific things parents can do to help their children succeed.
What You Can Do at Home
- Check your child’s schoolbag every night Read any newsletters that come home to find out activities that are coming up, what is going on in your child’s classroom and what they are learning. Many teachers will provide this information in a newsletter every one to two weeks.
- Talk to your children about their school day Ask them specific questions about what they are learning, who they play with at recess, and their teachers. Letting your children know you are interested in their education lets them know they are important to you.
- If you can’t make it to school parties, offer to send in snacks, paper products or drinks This will let your child know that you care and still feel as if you are involved, even when you are not present.
- Take time each evening to read a book together Even 20 minutes each night will help your children’s reading skills improve dramatically. After reading, talk about what you have read. Use the time to make up alternate endings or ask what might have happened if something was different.
- Check homework each night. Monitor to make sure your child is completing their homework. Let your child know you are available to help if they are having problems. If you have difficulty helping, there are online tutoring or often schools will offer telephone homework help. Math.com offers free math lessons and homework help.
- Limit television and computer time. Find productive activities your children can be involved in rather than sitting in front of a television screen. Encourage them to join after school clubs and activities.
Attending School Functions
- Attend Back to School nights, open houses and parent teacher conferences. These are great ways to meet the teachers, see your child’s classroom and speak with other parents.
- Join the PTA. Attend meetings whenever you can and get involved in trying to make your child’s school a better place.
- Schools often have evening functions, such as Art Night, Band Concerts and other activities that allow children to show off their talents and parents to view some of what your children are doing all day. Take the time to attend these events.
Busy parents do not need to spend time within the school building to show their parents they care and that education is important. There are many different ways for parents to become involved in education and many can be done right from your home.
