Get Involved in Your Kids’ Education, by Marcia Essig, Ph.D.
School is not a game of wits between parents and their children; it is a serious business. More often than not, your child’s classroom performance is a predictor of his or her future workplace performance. Parents must take an active role in their children’s education, and the time to start is in kindergarten. Today’s kindergarteners do more than sing and play. Most likely, they are learning to read simple stories and develop basic math skills.
To help ensure your child’s educational success, ask “Johnny or Susie” to tell you what they did in school—every day. Do not accept “nothing” as an answer. Probe them, and then probe them some more. Be an active participant in your child’s school day. This also applies to children in the lower grades. These days, even the youngest students receive homework assignments. If you get nervous every time you mention “schoolwork” to your youngster, it’s time to get on the phone and make an appointment with the teacher.
If you’re available, volunteer in your child’s classroom. I’m not aware of too many teachers who would turn down extra help. Make yourself visible. Your son or daughter may ask, “Mom, why do you have to be in my classroom?” And your answer should be simple: “I love you and I enjoy seeing what you do in school.” While you are helping in the classroom, you will be getting a “bird’s eye” view of where your child is, educationally speaking, compared to the other students in the room. If you think you need to have a conference with the teacher, make an appointment to discuss your concerns. Keep an open mind and remain objective.
One of your goals as a parent is to help your kids succeed. One way to do that is to take an active role in their education. When you get involved, your children will be the lucky beneficiaries of your effort, your interest, and your love.