Why get involved in my child’s education?
Research [1] has shown that students benefit from parent involvement in many ways:
- Better grades
- Better attendance
- Higher graduation rates
- Better self-esteem
- Less drug and alcohol use
- Less violent behavior
What can I do to help my child do well in school?
According to the Michigan Department of Education [1], parents whose kids do well in school support them by:
- Having a regular, daily routine, which would ideally include:
- A time and place to study
- Household chores and responsibilities
- Getting to bed on time and getting a good night’s sleep
- Family dinners.
- Keeping tabs on kids’ after-school activities and making sure they are supervised.
- Showing your kids you value learning, self-discipline, and hard work.
- Setting realistic, but high goals and standards for your child.
- Encouraging progress in school by showing interest in your child’s schoolwork, helping with homework, and staying in touch with teachers
- Guiding TV viewing, reading aloud, taking trips, having books around the house and doing other activities to stimulate your child’s mind.
- Going to the school regularly, so your child will view home and school as being connected, and will view school as an important part of the family’s life.
Source: Compiled by Kyla Boyse, R.N. Reviewed by faculty and staff at the University of Michigan