What role does parents have in education?

Parents are their children's first teachers. It is from parents that children learn about their culture, certain values, gain language acquisition, and so forth. Parents play a very valuable role in their children's education: in and out of the classroom. Because of the reason, parents need to take on the challenge and provide their children the tools they will need in order to be successful in school and life. Education does not only involve knowing the content areas in school. Education involves learning how to be a productive member of society, it involves how to behave in social settings, it involves learning how to figure everyday problems, and so much more. By talking to their children, parents can help them increase their vocabulary, they help their children in their receptive and expressive language, and they help their children feel empowered. Also, parents that talk with their children build lasting. positive, and strong relationships.

A basic role of parents is to provide physical security for their children. Medical attention is one of the components of a physically secure environment. Being free from sickness is vital in a child's academic career. Children that are constantly sick tend to miss days of school, they can not concentrate on material, and they do not perform well. A proper diet is another component of a physically secure environment. Children with proper diets are more physically fit than those without a proper diet. Diet can help in brain development. Also, children will sometimes try to hide food for future consumption; this can lead to a lower esteem. Housing is another component of a physically secure environment. Children without good solid living situation tend to change schools often as their families move about the city. This interrrupts gaining long term relationships with peers or teachers. This also interrupts learning because every school covers materials differently and at different times.

Another role of the parent is to provide intellectually stimualting environments. According to the article "How can I make my child smarter?" at http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/speech_language_disorders/40176, there are two things parents can do to help their children. The first is to read to their children everyday and the second is to expose their children to many different things. Parents can provide great experience for their children. For instance, reading with or to their children is an excellent activity. Reading increases vocabulary, reading with older children can help with their comprehension, reading at home can help children learn to enjoy reading and increase reading ability. A trip to the library can be very productive. The library usually has free activities for children and families. Parents can take trips to museums in order to increase interest knowledge and interest of children. A simple trip to grocery store can be a great time for learning. Parents can have their children help with the shopping list (writing for a purpose). Children can go search for the items on the list (reading for a purpose). Parents can talk about the prices and have their children try to figure out the better deal, etc. A simple trip to the store can involve children engaging in reading, writing, math, and learning life skills. Parents can put their children in programs afterschool. Academic programs can help improve skills or just keep students engaged. One other thing parents can do is have dinner with their children. It has been shown that children that eat with the family are less likely to get involved in negative activities. Also, these children have higher self esteem and the bond is stronger. Talking during dinner can lead to thought provoking conversations.

According to the article, Can you really make your child smarter? at
http://health.discovery.com/centers/kids/genius.html, parents need to set good examples for their children. This point is correct on so many levels. Children learn a great deal from what they see their parents do. Knowing this fact, parents should practice behaviors they would like their children to demonstrate. Parents should read in front of their children,they should engage in positive activities,they should consume a healthy diet, and so forth. Children, especially young children, may take on the beliefs and actions of their parents. It is necessary to set good examples for children because they need good foundations as a whole.

Parents have a great deal of responsibilty. They are their children's first teacher. It is from parents, children can learn their culture, social skills, life skills, and get exposed to many experiences. Parents must be willing to take on the challenge of exposing their children to things other than their local surroundings. Activities can be very simple in nature, but have lasting effects. School is never the only option for educating children.Because of this, parents need to embrace their roles as teachers and do the best they can with the resoures they have.