A child’s first institution of learning is his/her family.
The family, being the bedrock of society, plays a major role in shaping how a child turns out in the future. Hence, critical care needs to be taken to ensure that every child has a family that is dedicated to nurturing their growth and potential.
Moreover, it is impossible to overstate the importance of families and parents in ensuring students’ success.
One way to help children achieve tremendous success in life, particularly in their education, is to practice intentional parenting.
Students who have their families and parents involved in their education grow to appreciate studying, which broadens their knowledge and sense of self-worth.
How Parents and Family Can Help Their Children Succeed
1. Support System
For students to be committed and focused on realizing their aspirations, they need to have moral and emotional support.
Families and parents can do this by offering their children a listening ear whenever challenges arise. By doing so, they find ways to address their concerns.
Also, it’s crucial to remember that character development is a part of education, not just academics. Parents and families should instil morals, beliefs, and values that help pupils become responsible and humane.
2. Homework Assistance
Without homework, what good is school?
In my primary school days, I recall my father always helping me with my maths homework. With him, maths appears so simple. As a result of my father’s method of teaching, I quickly grew to enjoy maths.
When you are intentional about your children’s homework, you observe their areas of strength and weakness. By so doing, you can deduce the best course of action to take to ensure their academic success.
3. Expectations and Reward System
About a year ago, I was watching a YouTube video on Chimamanda Adichie, one of Nigeria’s literary titans and a global treasure. The part of her interview that stood out to me was when she mentioned she was inspired by a mother who gave her daughter money for reading.
While some might consider what the woman was doing as unnecessary, I agree with Chimamanda that it’s a thoughtful technique for inspiring a child to love reading. I made a mental note to repeat something along those lines when I start my own family.
Building rational expectations with your child and making sure you always have their best interests in mind will go a long way towards ensuring their success.
4. Creating a Learning Environment
The success rate of students is increased by a supportive family environment. Your children will feel more at ease and eager to learn if you provide them with a quiet study area, books, and other learning materials.
You can achieve this by assigning a home space for studying and library use. Also, you can choose other innovative strategies to encourage learning in your child.
Additionally, you can set a good example by showing you enjoy reading. If your child observes that you have a never-ending thirst for knowledge, they will most probably emulate you.
5. Be their Cheerleaders
Back then in secondary school, my mother never missed a single event—Open Day, PTA meeting, End-of-the-session parties or anything in between. She made it her duty to always be involved.
I still remember days when she stayed up all night with my elder brother—who doesn’t like reading—to read with him when examinations and tests were fast approaching. She ensured that she was present, physically, emotionally and in every way. This showed us that every little milestone we crossed was important to her and she was proud of us. We were encouraged to put in more effort.
Parents excel so much in the role of cheerleading. This unwavering support helps students develop resilience and the belief that they can triumph over any challenge.
6. Communication and Collaboration
Parents and teachers play highly important roles in the education of a child. Hence, there should be synergy in terms of communication and collaboration.
Maintaining open communication with teachers and school staff to stay informed about their child’s progress ensures that everyone is working together towards a common goal—the student’s success. Agree on a mode of communication with teachers and stick to it.
Teachers are in the best position to tell you how your child is faring in school and what can be done to improve their learning. Befriend your child’s teacher and work together to ensure that your child utilizes his or her potential optimally.
Conclusion
The contribution of parents and families to students’ success shouldn’t be taken lightly. To build leaders who would not just excel in their studies but also in every area requires love, guidance, and dedication on the part of parents and families. Parents are the unsung heroes behind every child’s overall success. We owe it to our children to give all we have to ensure they attain every goal they set for themselves.
Researched By Olukotun Joan
