Responsibility of parents in education

But all children are not of same aptitude and disposition. Parents should be sensitive to their likes and dislikes. It is at home where child learns the rudiments of values. One would be foolish to think that our education system meets the requirements of every child that enters at the tender age of five or six and leaves after thirteen years. However, some parents actually think that our schools are totally responsible for the education of their children. Parents who believe this may be putting their children at a disadvantage. It is my opinion that some of the most important lessons a child will learn can be taught at home. This means that parents have a responsibility to be active in their child's education. Two important questions arise from this statement. First, why should parents be an active participant in their child's education and second, what can they do to help their children be successful in school? These are two very important considerations, yet many parents fail to recognise the importance of being involved in their child's education. To answer the first question as to why parents should be involved in their child's education, let us simply look at the numbers. One classroom teacher and twenty-five to thirty young minds to fill with knowledge can be a very difficult feat to accomplish. The ratio of teachers to students is just too high and although difficult to acknowledge, some students simply will fall between the cracks in the system. Parents are the safety net for their children, yet too many of them fail to realise this important fact. The greatest resource any classroom teacher can utilise is the parents. The second question deals with what parents can do to help their children develop in conjunction with the efforts of the education system. The one simple thing that parents should do to assist in the formal education of their child is to take an interest in all aspects of their child's school activities: academics, extra-curricular activities and relationships. This means to help the children with their homework and know what they are doing in class. It means getting them involved in school sports teams, music, drama, clubs etc. Finally it means knowing how your child interacts with others, and if they need direction you are there for them. Some of the most important lessons of life are taught in the home. Parents should not expect some of those lessons to be taught in our schools. Parents have a vital role in their child's education. By taking a few simple steps at home, they can help them enjoy school more, improve their study habit and homework skills and prepare for college. Nothing helps a child succeeds like an involved parent. A little willingness from a child's parents can work wonders in the classroom. Parents play four distinct roles in their child's education: cheerleader, friend, teacher and enforcer. An understanding of these roles can help your child step up to the challenges of learning. Be a Cheerleader : Children thrive on encouragement. It's just as important to support a child who doesn't perform well as it is to congratulate them for success. Real learning is not based on reward, but on the value your child places on the process itself. It's important to make something positive out of failure and to teach young learners this vital skill. Ask your child what they do when they fail at something they're good at - a missed tackle on the football field for example, or a missed key on the piano. This will help them to see how important it is to keep trying and it will teach them to access the skills they already have when faced with new or less interesting challenges. Be a Friend : Learning about math and reading isn't the only struggle your child faces in school. Maybe they're having problems with a teacher, a group of friends, or a bully on the playground. Sometimes what they really need is someone who is willing to hear what they're thinking--and that someone should be you. With nobody to confide in, your child will have extra stress in their life, which can decrease self-esteem and motivation. Try to recall the struggles of your own school days. Here's a chance to start fresh and pass along a more positive experience. Listening respectfully to your child's concerns can be a major confidence booster all by itself. If you take your child seriously he or she is more likely to do the same for their education. Be a Teacher : You can't just leave it all up to the teacher. Stay in touch with your child's assignments, tests and ongoing projects. Set aside time each day to offer help. Be available and enthusiastic; your child needs to feel like you want to be there and that helping them isn't a chore. Connect with their teachers regularly to keep up with how things are going in the classroom. If you find your child needs extra help, be active in getting it, or better yet, work with them yourself. Tutoring your own children can be rewarding for both of you. Be the Enforcer : Yes, sometimes you've go to be tough. But there's more to it than just discipline. Enforce in advance by helping your child set and keep schedules, reach goals and complete assignments on time. Be patient but unwavering with the basics and your student will catch on. Sometimes you'll have to be strict, but a little firmness each day will teach your child vital time management skills. This will give them a sense of control and can help prevent a homework or term paper crisis. Be willing to be the bad guy, but don't make school or homework seem like a punishment. Think of yourself as the leader of an expedition, not a jailor. When things get difficult, they'll respect your authority and see you as a resource for the help they need. Dr. Md. Aminul Islam Swapon used to teach in colleges in South Africa, now a faculty of Department of Education, Asian University of Bangladesh. He can be reached at swapon01715414204@yahoo.com.