1. Reading- Parents should spend quiet time with their children. Reading is one of the most effective ways to utilize that quiet time. Research has told us that reading is an important factor in the success of children. In addition to quiet time, parents should take their children to the bookstore or library on a regular schedule to try and motivate them to read. This process should begin at a very early age, but it is never too late.
2. Meeting with Teachers- Parents should become familiar with all the teachers who are responsible for their children’s education. Teachers will be more involved with children if the parents are involved with them. This can benefit the children by having someone who may make an extra effort to identify educational strengths and weaknesses. Parents who are involved will have a pipeline to the teacher, who can help them get assistance if their children are in need, or recommend special programs. Furthermore, children will be less likely to misbehave when they know their parents have a rapport with their teachers. Parent-teacher conferences are a must for parents.
3. Provide Educational Environment- Parents should organize their homes to be conducive to academic success for their children. The house should demonstrate that education is important. This can be done by having educational materials throughout the house, especially in the child’s bedroom. This material can consist of a computer, printer, books, magazines, plenty of paper, pencils, and notebooks. This environment should have something to read all over the house, as well as educational posters, art, and words on the child’s wall in the bedroom.
4. Routines- When raising successful children, parents must develop routines that keep them on a schedule. These routines will give children a successful way to organize their life. Some of the important routines include: what time to get up in the morning, what time to go to bed at night, what time is set aside to study each night, limited television during the week, no video games during the week, reading every night, what time to do chores each day and what time to eat each day. Parents can develop the routines they think are important.
5. Extracurricular Activities- Parents can accelerate their children’s education when they are exposed to extracurricular activities. For example, if five-year-old children began learning how to play the piano. Parents will notice how quickly they develop other skills. Reading, math, and listening skills will be enhanced. Furthermore, being involved in activities that require physical activities will also enhance educational capacity. The increase in heart rate from exercising will help improve the overall fitness of children, thus making them more alert for school.
6. Educational Outings- Numerous educational benefits can be derived from taking children on educational trips throughout the country. Children who visit the zoo, parks, and aquarium can learn about animals. Museums can be exceptional for learning about history and art. During and after the trips parents should discuss what children observed from the outing. These benefits are very beneficial to the overall education of the children.
7. Help with Homework- Parents should set up a specific time that children do homework each day. The schedule should be the same each day, so children can develop a routine. The location for the homework should have all necessary supplies such as; paper, pencil, dictionary, computer, printer, etc.; Parents should be available for assistance whenever needed and children should do some kind of homework every night.
8. Volunteering at School- Parents should try and be a part of their children’s overall education, which includes volunteering at school. Volunteering is something that will benefit the school and show your children that you are concerned about their education. Volunteering can be anything from going on a field trip with your child class or helping a teacher. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do something periodically.
Research has told us repeatedly, when parents are involved in their children’s education, children learn better, earn higher grades, and are more likely to attend college. Also, the research states that reading is the best indicator of success. This information should be very valuable to parents.