Parental involvement is crucial for a child’s development (Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas)
In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on the importance of parental involvement in modern education. Despite having significant benefits for children, overbearing involvement can have negative consequences.
Finding the right balance is crucial for supporting children’s academic success and fostering healthy relationships between parents, teachers, and students.
The Benefits of Parental Involvement
Children whose parents were involved in their schooling were shown to be successful in the future. (Photo from Freepik).
Research shows that parental involvement in education can have a range of positive effects on student achievement. Parents who actively participate in their child’s educational journey can provide support and encouragement, and ensure that their child is receiving a high-quality education.
Parents play an important part in a child’s schooling, their involvement can give their child a sense of security and boost their confidence, this has been linked to improved attendance, higher grades, and better behaviour in the classroom.
Children whose parents were involved in their schooling benefitted in the future and would go on to graduate from school and enter university. These parents can instil a sense of responsibility and accountability in their children, and encourage them to take ownership of their own learning.
The Risks of Overbearing Parental Involvement
Impatience, unrealistic expectations, and strict rules can cause strife between the parent and the child. (Photo by Peoplecreation on Freepik)
While parental involvement can have many benefits, parents need to be mindful of how they approach it. When parents become too involved in their child’s education, they can inadvertently create a sense of pressure and stress that can be detrimental to their child’s academic success.
Overbearing parents may also struggle to develop positive relationships with their child’s teachers, and may even damage their child’s relationships with peers. Impatience, unrealistic expectations, and strict rules can cause strife between the parent and the child.
In addition, overbearing parental involvement can also hinder children’s development of important life skills, such as independence and problem-solving. When parents are too involved, children may come to rely too heavily on their parents for support and guidance and may struggle to develop the skills they need to succeed on their own.
The Do’s and Don’ts
A good parent-child relationship is more important than academic success, it’s all about finding the right balance. (Photo by Freepik)
It is important to find the right balance to ensure that parental involvement remains positive and supportive. This means knowing when to step in and offer support, and when to step back and allow your child to take ownership of their own learning.
So how can you positively support your children? Let’s take a look;
- Attend parent-teacher conferences and stay up-to-date on your child’s progress.
- Encourage your child to take ownership of their own learning by asking them questions about their schoolwork and helping them set goals.
- Provide support and guidance when needed, but allow your child to make their own decisions and mistakes.
- Foster open and positive communication with your child’s teachers.
Be involved in your child’s education but don’t:
- Pressure your child to perform at a certain level or achieve specific goals.
- Micromanage your child’s school work or homework.
- Overstep boundaries with your child’s teachers or become overly critical.
- Place too much emphasis on Grades and test scores over your child’s overall well-being.
How to build a positive relationship with your child’s school
Building a good rapport with your child’s teachers and the school is a great way to ensure your child has a good experience at school. (Photo by Bearfotos on Freepik)
It is crucial to build a strong relationship with your child’s school to ensure your child’s schooling experience is secure. Some tips for fostering a positive relationship with your child’s school include:
- Attend school events and volunteer when possible.
- Communicate regularly with your child’s teachers and stay up-to-date on school policies and procedures.
- Advocate for your child’s needs, but do so respectfully and collaboratively.
- Show appreciation for your child’s teachers and school staff.
At Lyceum we emphasise having a great relationship with our student’s parents. We take an almost collaborative approach to ensure the parents are an active part of their child’s schooling experience.
Learning Outside the Classroom: Parental Involvement at Home
Helping with homework, and other school projects is a great way to support your child. (Photo by Freepik)
The parent’s involvement matters the most outside the school, as supporting learning at home is also crucial for academic success. Some ways parents can support learning outside the classroom include:
- Encouraging reading and providing access to books.
- Helping with homework and school projects.
- Engaging in open and positive communication about school and learning.
- Providing opportunities for hands-on learning experiences and exploration.
Independent Learning
Independent learning can boost your child’s confidence. (Image by Freepik)
Along with supporting academic success, parents also play a crucial role in helping their children develop important life skills, such as independence and problem-solving. Encouraging independence can be challenging for some parents, but some strategies can help, such as:
- Allowing your child to make their own decisions and mistakes.
- Encouraging your child to take ownership of their own learning.
- Providing opportunities for your child to practice problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Celebrating your child’s successes and helping them learn from their failures.
Striking the Right Balance
A happy child will find academics easier to navigate. (Photo by Freepik)
Finding the right balance of parental involvement can be challenging, but it is crucial for supporting children’s academic success. Once you find the sweet spot of being a parent and yet being a friend to your child, you will realise how effortlessly you can help them through their schooling years.
Modern education changes every day, with younger generations progressing faster than previous generations. They require very specific education and are more equipped to be independent with their studies. Trust your child and guide them accordingly, they will handle the rest.
If you are looking for a school that is immersive and provides a comprehensive, Lyceum may be your best bet. Get in touch with us here, to learn more.
