PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND CHILD’S ACADEMI C PERFORMANCE

EUNICE C. GALANG

The more the parents involve in the process of imparting education to their children, the more the children might excel in their academic career and to become the productive and responsible members of society. Agree? Disagree?

Parents are truly the first teacher of their children. Parents have been thought of as partners in the educational process of their children. Examples of this role are parents help children with homework, supporting in school activities, and working in partnership with teachers to enhance the learning experiences. Parental involvement may include activities like helping children in reading, encouraging them to do their homework independently, monitoring their activities inside the house and outside the four walls of their house, and providing coaching services for improving their learning in different subj ect s.

Research findings substantiated that parental involvement at early stage in children’s learning, positively affects the child’s school performance including higher academic achievement. Moreover, it is observed that parental involvement with children from early age has been found to equate with better outcomes specially in building their personalities.

As observed, children whose parents are actively engage in their child’s learning has positive impact on students other than academics including increased motivation, self-esteem, and self-reliance, which may lead to academic success regardless of economic background.

Helping children enjoy learning and being successful in school is an important goal for parents, other family members and schools. It takes two major institutions, the home and the school, working together to successfully educate the child. Students, family members and teachers are all necessary links in a positive learning experience. Even the most caring and competent teacher needs support from parents and family members who will encourage children and teach them to value education.

Biblically, Proverbs 22:16 says,” Train up the child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

--oOo— The author is Master Teacher I at Pampanga High School