Parents/Caregivers

The role of parents/caregivers is inextricably linked to the educative processes of their children, and the school in general. Parent involvement is critical in the facilitation of children’s development and achievement, and in preventing and remedying educational developmental problems (Becher, 1996).

Parents/caregivers often share with their children their own values on education. The parent/caregivers values will often be shown through their child and their interactions with the school. The profound effect that parents can have on their child needs to be realised by both the parents themselves and the school to ensure that effective schooling and learning is able to occur for each individual student. A strong home/school partnership is crucial as the necessary skills are developed for our students to be tomorrow’s leaders in our global community.

Parents/caregivers are also extremely important to the school in general. The reputation of a school in the community is widely dependent on parents/caregivers and how they perceive the school. Effective communication between parents and students will make for a much more inclusive and successful school.

Substantial evidence exists to show that children whose parents are involved in their schooling have significantly increased their academic achievement and cognitive development (Andrews and others, 1982). The parent-child relationship is improved when parents more frequently participate in the child’s schooling activities. The benefits for parent/caregiver involvement stretch beyond the 4 walls of a house but into the school and the schooling community. As a result is is extremely clear that parent/carers roles in school life and the educative processes of their children are of the upmost importance.

 

References:

Andrews, S. R., and others. “The Skills of Mothering: A Study of Parent-Child Development Centers.” MONOGRAPHS OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 47 (Serial No. 198). 1982.

Becher, Rhoda. “Parents and Schools.” 1996. http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-924/parents.htm (Accessed 5/10/10).