The Role Parents Play in Their Children's Academic Success
Parents are one of the most influential factors in their children’s academic success. Their involvement, support, and guidance help shape the foundation for a child’s learning and educational experience. While teachers and schools play an essential role, research has consistently shown that parental involvement is a key determinant of academic achievement. Whether directly or indirectly, parents can impact their child's motivation, mindset, and academic performance in profound ways.
Here’s a breakdown of the many roles parents play in supporting their children’s academic success:
1. Establishing a Positive Learning Environment
A stable, supportive, and nurturing home environment is one of the most important factors in academic success. Parents who create an atmosphere that values education can inspire their children to prioritize their studies. Some key ways parents do this include:
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Providing a quiet, distraction-free space for study and homework.
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Setting routines and schedules that balance study time with leisure and rest, helping children manage their time effectively.
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Encouraging curiosity by discussing a variety of topics, reading books, and exploring educational activities at home.
When parents make learning an integral part of daily life, children are more likely to develop good study habits, focus on their schoolwork, and understand the value of education.
2. Encouraging High Expectations and Motivation
One of the key roles of parents is to set high, yet achievable expectations for their children. Encouraging a mindset of growth and self-belief is crucial. Children thrive when they are told that they can achieve success through effort, persistence, and learning from mistakes. Positive reinforcement and constructive feedback from parents can boost a child’s self-esteem and motivate them to keep pushing toward their goals.
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Setting academic goals: Parents who talk with their children about their goals for school (e.g., getting a certain grade or mastering a specific skill) help children understand the importance of setting personal targets.
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Celebrating achievements: Acknowledging progress—whether big or small—reinforces positive behaviors and fosters a sense of pride in their work.
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Encouraging perseverance: Teaching children to view challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles, helps them develop resilience and persistence.
Research shows that when parents have high expectations and consistently support their children’s academic goals, it boosts their self-confidence and academic outcomes.
3. Providing Emotional and Psychological Support
Children’s emotional well-being directly influences their academic performance. Parents who provide emotional support help children feel secure and confident in their abilities, which in turn can positively impact their academic achievement. Some ways parents provide emotional support include:
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Being present and engaged: Active involvement in a child’s school life—attending parent-teacher conferences, staying informed about assignments, and showing interest in their progress—demonstrates care and concern.
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Listening and validating feelings: Parents who create an open, non-judgmental space for their children to talk about school-related stress, social challenges, or frustrations can help children navigate difficult emotions.
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Providing encouragement during setbacks: When children face academic difficulties or failure, parents who offer encouragement and practical solutions (rather than criticism) help build a child’s resilience.
A child who feels supported emotionally by their parents is more likely to remain motivated, even when faced with academic challenges.
4. Being a Role Model for Learning
Children learn by example, and parents who prioritize their own learning and demonstrate positive attitudes toward education set a powerful example. Parents who show an enthusiasm for reading, problem-solving, and learning new skills teach their children to approach learning as a lifelong pursuit.
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Reading at home: Parents who read with their children or model reading themselves help foster a love of reading and literacy.
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Lifelong learning: Parents who engage in continued education—whether through formal schooling, professional development, or personal interests—send the message that learning doesn’t stop after school.
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Problem-solving: When parents demonstrate how to solve problems or work through challenges (e.g., math problems, decision-making), children learn how to tackle their own challenges with critical thinking and determination.
When children see their parents prioritizing learning, they internalize the idea that education is a valuable and lifelong pursuit.
5. Monitoring and Supporting Academic Progress
Parents should regularly monitor their children’s academic progress and engage with them to ensure they are staying on track. This doesn’t mean hovering over their homework but rather showing interest in their overall school experience and providing the necessary support when needed.
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Setting time for check-ins: Regularly checking in with children about their assignments, upcoming tests, or projects helps parents stay involved in their academic life. Asking questions about schoolwork or upcoming deadlines fosters accountability.
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Reviewing grades and progress: Tracking grades and communicating with teachers if there are any concerns ensures that problems are addressed before they become bigger issues.
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Helping with schoolwork: Providing guidance on challenging assignments or offering help with organizing study sessions can make a big difference in a child’s success.
Parental involvement in school activities and homework can lead to improved academic outcomes, especially when parents are proactive in providing encouragement and support.
6. Supporting Social Development and Peer Relationships
A child’s social and emotional development can also affect their academic success. Parents play a role in helping their children build positive relationships with peers, teachers, and other adults in the school community. Some strategies include:
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Encouraging teamwork and collaboration: When children are encouraged to work in groups or share ideas, they develop essential teamwork skills that are vital both in school and later in life.
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Teaching social skills: Parents can help children understand how to communicate effectively, manage conflicts, and be kind and empathetic toward others.
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Facilitating extracurricular activities: By supporting participation in sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities, parents help their children build self-esteem and learn important life skills that complement their academic pursuits.
Healthy social development promotes positive school experiences and enhances a child’s overall academic success.
7. Advocating for Their Child’s Needs
When parents actively engage in their children’s educational journey, they are often the first to identify challenges or needs that might require additional support. This could include:
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Requesting accommodations: Parents may need to advocate for children who have special educational needs, such as learning disabilities, by working with teachers to create an individualized learning plan (IEP) or other necessary supports.
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Addressing bullying or social issues: Parents who are proactive about addressing bullying or other negative social situations can ensure that their children’s emotional well-being is maintained, which is essential for learning.
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Seeking extra help: Parents can also play a role in helping children who are struggling academically by seeking out tutors, online resources, or after-school programs that provide extra support.
Parents who advocate for their children’s needs create an environment in which children feel supported and can reach their full academic potential.
Conclusion: The Power of Parental Involvement
Parents are not just passive observers in their children’s educational journey; they are active participants who help lay the foundation for academic success. Their involvement—whether in emotional support, creating a positive learning environment, or advocating for their child’s needs—has a lasting impact on how well their children perform academically and develop into well-rounded individuals.
By providing encouragement, structure, and support, parents help build the skills, mindset, and resilience that children need to succeed in school and beyond. In short, when parents are invested in their children’s education, children are more likely to thrive, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. The partnership between parents and children can make all the difference in a child’s success story.
WND EXCLUSIVE
FEDS ABANDON 'EQUAL RIGHTS' CLAIM TO RAISE YOUR KIDS
'Much work to be done before decades of federal overreach is reversed'
November 6, 2013
| It was obvious from the earliest moments of the hearing that I was going to be the brunt of a lot of abuse. During the course of the hearing I was personally attacked by Senator Menendez, Senator Boxer, and Senator Durbin. I don't mean they disagreed with me on the merits of the issue. I mean they attacked me personally for "fear-mongering", misrepresentation, fund-raising, political motives, and having earned an LLM through distance learning. The shots were cheap and it wasn't really any fun. But here is the point. When the left stoops to these kinds of tactics, it is a sign of two things: 1. They have no effective answers to the substance of my arguments. 2. We are having an impact. | ParentalRights.org President Michael Farris |
There is only one question that really matters here: Do we generate enough phone calls to make sure that the Republicans who voted with us last time stand strong?
If we let the left get away with these tactics, our movement - indeed, our country - is doomed.
I have to admit that I took a lot of solace in this idea during the hearing: The people will protect the sovereignty of the United States even if our Senators are ready to jettison it.
Sincerely,
Michael Farris
ParentalRights.org Founder and President
Editor's Note:
1. Please call your senators again. Urge them to oppose treaty ratification. You can reach them through the Capitol Switchboard (202-224-3121) or find their info by clicking on your state at ParentalRights.org/states.
2. Please donate generously to support our efforts. Yesterday, Senator Boxer attacked Mike for raising funds on this issue. Apparently she believes that while those who agree with her have every right to donate to her campaign coffers, you don't have the right to support us financially. Help us as we work to make your voice heard!
Sincerely,
Michael Ramey
Director of Communications & Research
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"Normal parents can put the needs of their children first. They know that demeaning and demonizing their partner harms the children, and however they may feel, they do not want to harm their children. The problem of brainwashing children arises when one or other parent or both put their needs first and use the children as weapons against each other. These are the adults who have personality disorders that go unrecognized in court. There both parents are given an equal hearing the problem occurs when one parent lies and cheats under oath, manipulates the judiciary and everyone in the case while the normal parent looks on in horror. Women will always be given the benefit of the doubt over men especially by men which is why so many men loose their children. The training of so called experts in the universities and in workshops has been in the hands of radical feminists for the last forty years as a result there is no level playing field between parents any longer. All I can say that I have seen children deprived of a loving parent reconnect after years of demonizing that parent. For other parents they have to live with the injustice for the rest of their lives their child or children are to damaged to ever know the truth." ~ Erin Pizzey
ReplyDeleteA Support and Advocacy blog for Protective Parents and innocent Children harmed by wrongdoing under the color of law, the Family Law and CPS Industries. We investigate where the media can't or won't go.
ReplyDeleteThe people "have the right to instruct their representatives, petition government for redress of grievances, and assemble freely to consult for the common good." In Keeping with the Constitution, Blind Bulldog is committed to serving the common good in Shasta County.
The following, brilliant take is from a Blind Bulldog affiliate from Southern Cal:
"The untethered aggression of family courts is due to a vacuum of institutional client advocacy--unlike criminal courts, which have firmly-established constitutional rights, strict state and federal oversight of state court judges, and a dedicated “criminal defense bar” to thwart government aggression, or civil courts that have “plaintiffs'” and “defense” bars to balance one another’s private agendas, family court has no “litigant bar.” The divorce attorneys themselves favor aggression for the simple reason identified in the movie--follow the money. Attorneys have not filled that vacuum to defend their own clients, leaving them vulnerable to the natural tendency of government to intrude. Family court litigants are, sad to say, woefully unaware of what they’re up against, and the body count shows results that are entirely predictable--but we think preventable.
Family court was created by lawyers and judges--literally--rather than the citizens it should be protecting. We’ve located the history through testimony and other documentation showing something like a Jekyll Island series of “off the record” meetings between California judges, attorneys, and bureaucrats in the 90’s to “set up” family court to their liking, then seeking what became essentially a rubber stamp granting unheard of discretion from the California legislature. This system is now unfortunately the model or trend for many states--hence our nationwide membership and approach. Citizens had virtually no input and maintain no control.
Federal courts have observed unusually broad adaptations of “federalism,” “comity,” “standing,” and “abstention” legal doctrines to leave the vacuum unoccupied by otherwise ordinary protections of federal rights for individual citizens and legal consumers. Litigants themselves are outmatched in organization--they’re a revolving door commodity. No one wants to stick around long enough to enforce reform. Hence rampant abuse in a lop-sided system of foxes guarding the henhouse, and you and I are on the ever-expanding menu."
FLORIDA TODAY - OPINION
ReplyDeleteWritten by Gordon E. Finley, Ph.D., Miami
While I applaud columnist Paul Flemming for a sound review of the issues in Saturday’s “Alimony bill will be great — for lawyers,” his bottom-line conclusion is dead wrong.
The proposed state alimony reform bill will reduce litigation, not increase litigation. A bit of history: For years, the divorce vultures (a.k.a., the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar) have conned the Florida Legislature into writing divorce legislation that maximizes litigation and thus maximizes their income. In part, they have accomplished this by maximizing judicial discretion, which in practice means endless conflict and, of course, endless paid litigation.
No matter what they may say, the divorce vultures are interested only in one thing — maximizing their income.
I can irrefutably demonstrate this point with Flemming’s own words: “Thomas Duggar, an attorney in Tallahassee and a member of the Florida Bar’s Family Law Section, said last week at a Tallahassee Bar Association meeting that the section has a $100,000 war chest to sway public opinion against the legislation.”
Do your readers honestly believe they are spending all this money so they will lose income? The divorce vultures get the message in terms of what alimony reform will cost them — and save the children, fathers and mothers of divorce. I regret Mr. Flemming did not do the same.
Full Disclosure: I am an alimony-paying divorced father of two young adult daughters and retired university divorce researcher with multiple research and scholarly publications on this topic.
"CHILDREN OF DIVORCE DESERVE FULL ACCESS TO BOTH PARENTS, WHENEVER POSSIBLE."
ReplyDeletePersonally, I can’t find anyone willing to reject that statement publicly. It’s a fundamental truth. We now have a wealth of evidence demonstrating children are better off, in most situations, when they have something near equal time with each parent. So why are shared-parenting bills are being rejected throughout the country?
Do legislators believe mothers are more important to children than fathers? For the most part, I don’t think so. Politicians are, however, under quite a bit of pressure from some very powerful anti-shared parenting special interests. Recently, we’ve seen these opponents contribute to shared-parenting bills failing to pass in South Dakota and Minnesota.
Some would argue disappointments like those are clear signs that shared parenting legislation will not happen anytime soon. The opposite is true. The near victories in these states and others is an enormous indication politicians are beginning to understand the vast majority of American citizens believe children of divorce deserve equal access to both parents, whenever possible.
In fact, South Dakota’s bill lost in a 21-13 Senate vote. That’s a swing of 5 senators. If merely 5 senators felt more pressure from South Dakotans than they did from special interests, South Dakota would have a shared parenting statute. We should commend the remaining politicians in South Dakota’s Senate for doing the right thing.
In Minnesota … well, Minnesota is a travesty. That bill passed, and on May 24, 2012 Governor Mark Dayton vetoed it. Governor Dayton claimed that both sides made “compelling arguments,” but because the “ramifications” of the legislation were “uncertain,” he decided to single-handedly overrule the will of his constituents and their representatives. Mr. Governor, unless you are ending slavery or beginning women’s suffrage, you will likely never have the benefit of “certainty” in your political career. Again, we should praise the Minnesotan politicians who voted for the bill.
Six people. Six people stopped two states from enacting shared parenting. Six people do not indicate shared parenting is a distant hope – they indicate profoundly that it is an imminent inevitability.
Mike Haskell is a divorced dad, shared parenting supporter and practicing family law attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
ACFC is America's Shared Parenting Organization
"CHILDREN NEED BOTH PARENTS"
The members of the American Coalition for Fathers and Children dedicate ourselves to the creation of a family law system and public awareness which promotes equal rights for ALL parties affected by issues of the modern family.
ACFC is challenging the current system of American family law and policy. Through a national system of local affiliates and in alliance with other pro-family and civil liberties groups, ACFC is shifting the public debate to the real causes of family dissolution.
PRO SE RIGHTS:
ReplyDeleteBrotherhood of Trainmen v. Virginia ex rel. Virginia State Bar, 377 U.S. 1; v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335; Argersinger v. Hamlin, Sheriff 407 U.S. 425 ~ Litigants can be assisted by unlicensed laymen during judicial proceedings.
Conley v. Gibson, 355 U.S. 41 at 48 (1957) ~ "Following the simple guide of rule 8(f) that all pleadings shall be so construed as to do substantial justice"... "The federal rules reject the approach that pleading is a game of skill in which one misstep by counsel may be decisive to the outcome and accept the principle that the purpose of pleading is to facilitate a proper decision on the merits." The court also cited Rule 8(f) FRCP, which holds that all pleadings shall be construed to do substantial justice.
Davis v. Wechler, 263 U.S. 22, 24; Stromberb v. California, 283 U.S. 359; NAACP v. Alabama, 375 U.S. 449 ~ "The assertion of federal rights, when plainly and reasonably made, are not to be defeated under the name of local practice."
Elmore v. McCammon (1986) 640 F. Supp. 905 ~ "... the right to file a lawsuit pro se is one of the most important rights under the constitution and laws."
Federal Rules of Civil Procedures, Rule 17, 28 USCA "Next Friend" ~ A next friend is a person who represents someone who is unable to tend to his or her own interest.
Haines v. Kerner, 404 U.S. 519 (1972) ~ "Allegations such as those asserted by petitioner, however inartfully pleaded, are sufficient"... "which we hold to less stringent standards than formal pleadings drafted by lawyers."
Jenkins v. McKeithen, 395 U.S. 411, 421 (1959); Picking v. Pennsylvania R. Co., 151 Fed 2nd 240; Pucket v. Cox, 456 2nd 233 ~ Pro se pleadings are to be considered without regard to technicality; pro se litigants' pleadings are not to be held to the same high standards of perfection as lawyers.
Maty v. Grasselli Chemical Co., 303 U.S. 197 (1938) ~ "Pleadings are intended to serve as a means of arriving at fair and just settlements of controversies between litigants. They should not raise barriers which prevent the achievement of that end. Proper pleading is important, but its importance consists in its effectiveness as a means to accomplish the end of a just judgment."
NAACP v. Button, 371 U.S. 415); United Mineworkers of America v. Gibbs, 383 U.S. 715; and Johnson v. Avery, 89 S. Ct. 747 (1969) ~ Members of groups who are competent nonlawyers can assist other members of the group achieve the goals of the group in court without being charged with "unauthorized practice of law."
Picking v. Pennsylvania Railway, 151 F.2d. 240, Third Circuit Court of Appeals ~ The plaintiff's civil rights pleading was 150 pages and described by a federal judge as "inept". Nevertheless, it was held "Where a plaintiff pleads pro se in a suit for protection of civil rights, the Court should endeavor to construe Plaintiff's Pleadings without regard to technicalities."
Puckett v. Cox, 456 F. 2d 233 (1972) (6th Cir. USCA) ~ It was held that a pro se complaint requires a less stringent reading than one drafted by a lawyer per Justice Black in Conley v. Gibson (see case listed above, Pro Se Rights Section).
Roadway Express v. Pipe, 447 U.S. 752 at 757 (1982) ~ "Due to sloth, inattention or desire to seize tactical advantage, lawyers have long engaged in dilatory practices... the glacial pace of much litigation breeds frustration with the Federal Courts and ultimately, disrespect for the law."
Sherar v. Cullen, 481 F. 2d 946 (1973) ~ "There can be no sanction or penalty imposed upon one because of his exercise of Constitutional Rights."
Schware v. Board of Examiners, United State Reports 353 U.S. pages 238, 239. ~ "The practice of law cannot be licensed by any state/State."
Sims v. Aherns, 271 SW 720 (1925) ~ "The practice of law is an occupation of common right."
“Justice is a part of the human makeup. And if you deprive a person of Justice on a continuous basis, it’s really an attack (and not to get religious or anything) but it’s an attack on the human soul. We have, as societies, evolved ideas of Justice and we have done that because human nature needs Justice and it needs resolution. And if you deprive somebody of that long enough they’re going to have reactions…”
ReplyDelete~ Juli T. Star-Alexander – Executive Director, Redress, Inc.
Redress, Inc. 501c3 nonprofit corporation, created to combat corruption. Our purpose is to provide real assistance and solutions for citizens suffering from injustices. We operate as a formal business, with a Board of Directors guiding us. We take the following actions to seek redress: Competently organize as citizens working for the enforcement of our legal rights. Form a coalition so large and so effective that the authorities can no longer ignore us. We support and align with other civil rights groups and get our collective voices heard. Work to pass laws that benefit us and give us the means to fight against corruption, as is our legal right, and we work to repeal laws that are in violation of our legal rights. Become proactive in the election process, by screening of political candidates. As individuals, we support those who are striving to achieve excellence, and show how to remove from office those who have failed to get the job done. Make our presence known through every legal means. We monitor our courts and judges. We petition our government representatives for the assistance they are bound to provide us. We publicize our cases and demand redress. Create a flow of income that enables us to fight back in court, and to assist our members impoverished by the abuses inflicted on us. Create the means to relieve the stresses on us, as we share information and support each other. We become legal advocates for each other; we become an emotional support network for each other; we problem solve for individuals on a group basis! Educate our judges, lawyers, court personnel, law enforcement personnel and elected leaders about our rights as citizens! Actively work to eliminate incompetence, bias/prejudice, special relationships and corruption at all levels of government! Work actively with all media sources, to shed light on our efforts. It is reasonable to expect that if the authorities know we are watching and documenting, that their behaviors will improve. IT'S A HUGE TASK! Accountability will not happen overnight. But we believe that through supporting each other, we support ourselves. This results in a voice for justice and redress that cannot be ignored. Please become familiar with our web site, and feel free to call. We need each other - help us to help you! Although we are beginning operations in Nevada, we intend to extend into each state in a competent fashion. We are NOT attorneys, unless individual attorneys join us as members. We are simply people helping people. For those interested, we do not engage in the practice of law. You might be interested in this article Unauthorized Practice of Law on the Net. Call Redress, Inc. at 702.597.2982 or e-mail us at Redress@redressinc.com. WORKING TOGETHER TO ATTAIN FAIRNESS