In the busy world where we work and teach our kids, there's one really important thing that sometimes gets forgotten: How much kids can learn from their parents.
Parents play a pivotal role in shaping the learning journey of their child. Parental involvement in education helps your kids to feel safe and get ready to explore the world.
Based on a 2022 study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, parental involvement:
- positively influences behavior, achievement, and overall success in school.
- leads to better attendance and grades.
- mitigates the effects of socioeconomic challengesÂ
- improves the communication between parents and teachers.
But why do kids do better when learning with their parents present?
Let's take a closer look at 4 important benefits of this special partnership:
Stronger Support System: Parents can be the ultimate cheerleaders in their child's educational pursuits. By actively participating in the learning process, parents help build a supportive environment to learn. This can help kids feel empowered to take on new challenges.
Whether it's assisting with homework, attending a school event, or simply talking with your kid about their day, parental involvement fosters a sense of security. A child who feels safe to learn and explore is well set up for academic success.
Quick tip: Remember to remind your kids that they are capable! When facing a small challenge, say things like: "Come on, you can do it" or "Give it a try first and see."
Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: When parents are regularly involved, the door to rich dialogue is open and you can collaborate and explore together. Shared experiences such as reading together, solving puzzles, or working on creative projects, enables children to develop essential communication skills and learn to express their thoughts with confidence.
Collaborative learning also encourages teamwork and cooperation. This prepares children for their future academic and professional settings where working together is an essential skill.
Quick tip: When kids get fussy, remind them to use words to communicate their fear or dissatisfaction. It will help them see why communication leads to better outcomes.
Tailored Learning Experiences: One size does not fit all when it comes to education. Attentive parents are uniquely positioned to customize their child's learning path. By understanding a kid's interests and areas for growth, parents can personalize support and give guidance that aligns with their individual needs.
Simple ways to help include adapting learning materials, seeking out educational opportunities, or creating hands-on learning experiences.
Quick note: No one is better positioned than you in understanding what really makes your little ones tick. You're doing great! Keep it up :)
Nurturing a Love for Learning: At its core, learning is not just about gaining knowledge. It is also about fostering a lifelong love for discovery and exploration. By making time to read or pursue a hobby a parent can teach the value of ongoing learning.
When children see their parents actively engaged in learning, they develop a strong appreciation for the value of education. By modeling a positive attitude towards learning, parents inspire their children to approach life with curiosity, resilience, and a thirst for knowledge.
Quick tip: There's nothing better than leading by example. If your kids see you curious about the world, so will they. Stay playful and engage them in the things you love doing.
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At Tokidos, we believe in making families stronger. That's why we've developed games that can be played with the whole family (but also alone!), away from screens and with learning benefits at their core.
When parents are involved, it creates a sense of security and support while boosting your child's motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes.
Stay playfully curious!