Parents often ask whether they can really make a difference in how
successful their children will be in school or in other aspects of their
lives. The overwhelming answer from experts and research is “YES!” When
parents are involved, children do better in school. They do better on
tests, attend school more, and get higher grades. When a significant
number of parents are involved in a school, the whole school improves
providing a better education for the students. There are other positive
effects, too. When parents are involved, kids use less alcohol and drugs,
less violence occurs in school, and fewer students receive suspensions.
It seems pretty obvious that parents should be involved and stay involved
in their children’s lives from kindergarten through high school.
Parents should practice “Hands-on Parenting.” Know where your kids are
at all times, who they are with, and what they are doing. Be supportive,
but also have clear rules and consequences about expectations and behaviors.
In homes where parents are “hands-on,” young people are at half the
risk of average teenagers for involvement in risky behaviors like substance
use and early sexual activity.
There are many ways parents and caregivers can be supportive at home,
at school, and in the community to help encourage a successful school
year. Here are twelve ways:
· Start each day positively with a smooth takeoff.
Each morning, as young people head out from home, make sure they eat
something healthy that will give them morning fuel… fruit and cereal,
toast with peanut butter, or crackers and cheese. All kids are different,
so you might have to be creative. Then, make sure they get a hug and
you look them in the eye to wish them a good day or tell them how proud
you are of them. Help your kids pack healthy lunches and snacks. Sodas
should be a treat, not a daily beverage. Try to provide at least five
fruits and vegetables a day.
· Prepare for a smooth landing at the end of the day.
Plan to take a little time together to talk about your child’s day before
getting busy with dinner or other tasks. Make sure to really listen.
Some kids need to unwind a bit when they get home, so don’t rush them
if they aren’t ready to talk right away.
· Meet the teacher(s). Let the teachers of your young
children know what their hobbies and interests are. Let the teachers
of older children know that you are interested and want to help any
way you can.
· Provide a place for homework and reading.
Make sure your students have well-lit study areas that are quiet and
inviting. Let your kids help decorate the area with maps or interesting
pictures from magazines.
· Set up a system for easy storage of school
items. Make it easy for your kids to get organized for the
next day. Shoes, backpacks, permission slips, and school supplies should
be easy to locate.
· Join the PTA, Parent Network, or Booster
Club. Attend school events like concerts and back-to-school
celebrations. Get involved with other parents in making your school
a better learning experience for all the students.
· Check on homework. With younger
children, help them learn the value of getting homework done right after
school or right after supper. Together, design a routine. It may include
a snack and a reward of play, computer games, or television once homework
is completed. Many schools have homework posted on websites or available
by phone to help parents and students keep track of assignments. Help
your kids use an assignment book and calendar to track homework, school
events, and after school activities.
· Eat a meal as a family every day.
This is a great way to catch up on family happenings and enjoy some
time sharing the day’s events. Everyone can participate in the preparation
or clean-up.
· Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Visit every one of your student’s teachers. Check to see that your child
is learning what he or she needs to learn to meet the standards and
be successful at that grade level. Ask the teacher for help if needed,
and find out what you can do to assist your student."
· Know your school’s policies, rules, and schedules.
Watch your school’s website. Ask the principal for a rulebook and schedule.
Keep up-to-date on changes and ask if there are opportunities for parents
to be involved.
· Advocate for any special needs your child
might have. Ask your school for resources to assist you if
your child struggles in any areas. Learn about parent support systems
for children with learning disabilities and special needs. Work with
your children’s teachers to explore assistance options if there are
problems. Talk to other parents.
· Make books a part of your daily family life.
Plan family trips to the library. Read books together, or discuss what
you are reading with each other. Model the love of reading. Plan special
reading times instead of watching television.
For more information on how to help you parent, check out the websites
of the National PTA and the National Education Association (sources
for this article), and look for parent involvement. Locally, contact
the Women’s and Children’s Center at Marquette General Health System
for classes or the Great Lakes Center for Youth Development (formerly
Marquette-Alger Youth Foundation) for information on the 40 Developmental
Assets developed by the Search Institute.
The Great Lakes Center for Youth Development, formerly the Marquette-Alger
Youth Foundation, was established in July 2000 “to serve as a catalyst
for development of healthy youth in rural communities.” The Center works
to strengthen organizations that serve youth through technical assistance,
training, and services.
For more information, contact the Center through its website: www.glcyd.org
or call 906-228-8919 in Marquette. Positive youth activity information
is listed by the Center at www.macyap.com.
