Why empowered parents get better outcomes for their kids

Do know what the most important factor is in a child’s success at school?

Is it the school they go to?

Their teacher?

The curriculum?

How much homework they do?

Well… yes, all of these things do play a part.

But, actually, the most important factor in a child’s success of school is you. Their parent.

Research consistently shows that children whose parents are engaged in their education have better academic outcomes.

And not just that, their attendance, self-esteem and graduation rates rise too.

Because here is the thing – when parents are engaged in their child’s schooling they are making sure their child is having a positive school experience. They are making choices and supporting their child to have an education that fits them, that is suited to their individual needs and personality.

And, at the most basic level, children see their parents being engaged with their schooling, connecting with the school, with their teacher. And so they, in turn, are more engaged with their schooling.

So let’s break it down.

How do empowered parents get better results for their kids?

1. They know how to communicate with the school to get what their child needs
2. They work in partnership with their child’s school
3. They make education choices that best suit their child’s individual needs and personalities
4. They have the confidence to ask for any additional supports that their child might need
5. And they check in with their child and respond as needed (intervening early and effectively when any issues arise).

And probably the number one, most important thing to know is that as your child’s parent, you are the one in charge.

Yes, of course the school teachers and principal are the education experts, but you are the expert in your child.

You know what their personality is like, you know what their needs and quirks are. You know what suits them and how to best get their needs supported.

With you in charge, you can help them get the school experience that fits them best. And will, therefore, give them the best chance at succeeding at school.

We want our kids to thrive right? We don’t want them to just survive school, we want them to thrive. 

We want them to grow in confidence, in self-esteem, we want them to develop a love of learning and to really get stuck into learning at school. To develop and follow their interests and to flourish as a little (then bigger) human being.

So, let’s stand up, have confidence, ask the questions, make the choices and engage with our child’s education. Let’s guide their experience and make sure our kids thrive at school.