Parent involvement is actually the best predictor of a student’s educational achievement. Parent involvement demonstrates to the student the importance of school, resulting in improved student attitudes, morals, and academic achievement. Parents’ active interest also results in increased attendance, lower dropout rates, fewer discipline problems, and higher aspirations in life. Children who have been supported this way throughout their education are also more likely to consult with parents when making educational decisions.

Why, then, are some parents not involved in their student’s education? First, there are varying ideas of what counts as involvement. Some believe parent involvement should focus on at-home measures to encourage learning and demonstrate the importance of education. Others believe the primary concern should be that of at-school activities that strengthen the relationship between parents and teachers.

Several things can hinder parental involvement. Many parents cannot visit the school during the school day because they work; some parents work multiple jobs, further restricting their time at school. Also, parent involvement declines as children get older because parents often incorrectly suppose that older children need less parent involvement in their education.

Teachers and administrators are not blameless either. Some schools do not have a welcoming culture, meaning they do not actively work to involve parents in the education of their children. Others see themselves as more knowledgeable than the parents, treating the parents as their intellectual inferiors rather than equals. Some even view parents as the enemy rather than their allies and partners.

Schools that believe parents should focus on at-home behaviors are less likely to encourage parent participation in at-school activities. They may try to dissuade parents from involvement in school policy-making or academic planning. The opposite is also true. In all of these cases, it is crucial that parents take the initiative to become involved.

There are three fundamental keys to helping your child succeed academically. The first key is to instill in them a love of learning. The second key is to support them throughout their educational lives. The third key is to communicate with your kid’s school effectively. These suggestions apply to students of all ages and races. Just adapt them to your child’s present level of functioning.

Education is the key to our children’s future, whether they attend college, take up a trade, or join the workforce upon graduating from high school. There is no way to overestimate the importance of instilling the love of learning into your child because it can lead to the development of a genuine love of knowledge, not just the obligation to make good grades. When this occurs, you won’t have to tell your child to study because it’s already their number one priority.