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When I think about my education, there is one particular thing missing. And that is a lack of my parents’ involvement in it. As I grew up, I saw my parents juggle work, household responsibilities, and their own busy lives instead of paying enough attention to mine.
School seemed like something I was supposed to handle and take responsibility for from a young age. I felt alone, and miserable with only teachers as my mentors and books as my guide.
Being a parent involved in your child’s education is vitally important, and it doesn’t have to be confusing. Let me guide you through some things that will make this journey smoother for you and your child.
Think about your child’s education from the very start. From when they’re in kindergarten right through to high school, how can you stay involved? I know with my son Charlie, we would consistently stay up to date with the messages his educators were sending through the various communication apps they provided. Whether it was a beautiful piece of artwork he produced in kindergarten, to a certificate he received in elementary school, I made sure to like and comment on every post.
Teachers are there to support you. Try to introduce yourself early on, attend meetings with your child’s teacher, and ask questions to clarify any concerns or doubts. I remember a time when I made the most of a parent-teacher meeting by requesting extra homework from Charlie’s teacher to help him practice a particular math skill. How can you support your child’s learning? Are there ways you could connect with your child’s teacher?
Set up a space for your child to study in at home. How can you make this space inviting and make your child want to learn? For Charlie, we have set up a desk in his room that is of an appropriate height with a comfortable chair. Charlie also has access to an iPad with a few educational apps on it for when he wants to use them. What tools or resources can you give to your child? How can you set up a space to enhance their education?
Ask your child about their daily experiences at school. What did they learn that made them feel excited? I’ve always tried to make it a point to share Charlie’s passions. When he discovered he loved dinosaurs, we would spend weekends attending museums or digging into dinosaur books at the library. We even made our excavation site in our backyard and looked for homemade fossils I had buried. How can you fuel your child’s curiosity and allow them to explore? Try to share what you’ve learned from your life experiences, and connect to their interests.
Try to offer your child help when they needed, but also develop their independence. For instance, I have been trying my best to make Charlie’s homework a priority by giving him a space to study and offering guidance as he needs it. I ensure we celebrate each report card, nurturing a positive learning environment for him at home. How can you support your child at home?
Acknowledge your child’s hard work and accomplishments. How can you show them you’re proud of their effort? When Charlie excelled in his science project, we celebrated with homemade pizza, complete with his favorite toppings and a special dessert. It was important to me to honor his hard work and success. Think about what rewards or gestures mean the most to your child. How can you support their achievements?
Stay up to date on things that happen at school. How can you stay in the know without putting too much pressure on yourself or your child? For me, the communication apps provided by the school have been a remarkable asset. They have helped me keep track of Charlie’s progress without being too overbearing.
When I look back at my early experiences with education, I understand how important my parents’ involvement (or lack thereof), influenced my attitude and desire to learn. I’ve tried not to repeat the same mistakes of the past with Charlie.
Remember, each child is different, and what works best for one child may not be the best for another. Keep trying different things until you come across a strategy that is best suited for you both. Be mindful that engaging in your child’s education builds a strong bond with them, and encourages lifelong learning that can benefit your child’s growth, happiness, and success.
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