Christina Rittenbach
Extension Agent-in-Training
The Jamestown Sun
August 18, 2010
Parents Play Role in Children’s School Success
Parents of school-aged children can make major contributions at home that will help their
children succeed in the classroom. Children whose parents are involved with their schooling
have higher self-esteem, are more motivated to learn, and earn better grades than children whose
parents are not involved. There are many beneficial ways for parents to get involved and increase
the chances of school success for their children.
For instance, parents can be available during homework time in case their children need
help. This doesn’t mean that the parents should give their children the answers, or do their
homework for them. Instead, parents can provide support and guidance to their children,
assisting them in finding the correct answer for themselves. Parents should be cautious, though,
to not insist on helping when it is something the child can do independently. Doing homework
by themselves can help children build responsibility and independence. Help should be given
only when needed. Parents can also help their children create a routine. It might be beneficial for
children to wind-down for a bit once they get home from school before they start their
homework. After all, kids need to be kids, and a little recreation can help refresh their minds to
prepare them for homework time. Homework time should not be too close to bedtime, either. If
children are too tired and ready for bed, they will not be able to complete their homework as
successfully as they could earlier on in the day. Another important thing for parents to do is get
to be familiar with their children’s teachers and school, and maintain contact with them. It can be
important to know what the teachers’ expectations are in the classroom so parents can help their
children meet those expectations. Finally, it is important for parents to provide their children
with adequate nutrition. Eating a nutritious breakfast each morning will help children get through
the school day with a sharp mind. Along with healthy eating, getting enough exercise and sleep
at night will help children with school success.
Although parents cannot always be in the classroom to help their children through the
school day, these are some ways parents can make a great contribution at home. For more
information on this topic, please contact Christina Rittenbach, Stutsman County Extension
Agent-in-Training. She can be reached at 252-9030 or [email protected]
NDSU Extension Service – Stutsman County
116 ½ 1st St. E.
Jamestown, ND 58401
Tel: 252-9030 Fax: 251-2969
www.ag.ndsu.edu/stutsmancountyextension