Parents' responsibility in education

Shafiq Islam/ Drik News

A home is where a child lives permanently with his parent. It has a great role to play in shaping the responsibility and career of a child. In fact, it is the breeding ground of all qualities and habits a child learns and imbibes. All children are not of same aptitude and disposition, therefore, parents should be sensitive to their likes and dislikes.
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 think that schools are totally responsible for the education of their children.
Why should parents be involved in their child's education? What can they do to help their children be successful in school?
To answer the first question, look at the numbers. Filling twenty-five to thirty young minds with knowledge can be very difficult for one teacher. The ratio of teachers to students is just too high, and some students 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 answer to the second question is that parents must take interest in all aspects of their child's school activities: academics, extra-curricular activities and relationships. This means helping them with their homework and knowing what they are doing in class. It means getting them involved in school sports teams, music, drama, clubs etc. Finally, it means knowing how children interact with others, and if they need direction their parents are there for them.
Some of the most important lessons of life are taught in the home. Parents should not expect them to be taught in schools. By taking a few simple steps at home, parents can help their children enjoy school more and improve their studying and homework skills.
Nothing helps a child succeed like an involved parent. Parents play four distinct roles in their child's education: cheerleader, friend, teacher and enforcer. An understanding of these roles can help a child step up to the challenges of learning.
Children thrive on encouragement. It's just as important to support a child who doesn't perform well as it is to congratulate him for success. Real learning is not based on reward, but on the value a 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 he does when he fails at something he is good at -- a missed tackle on the football field for example, or a missed key on the piano. This will help him to see how important it is to keep trying, and will teach him to access the skills he already has when faced with new or less interesting challenges.
Learning math and reading isn't the only struggle your child faces in school. Maybe he is having problems with a teacher, a group of friends, or a bully in the playground. Sometimes what he really needs is someone who is willing to hear what he is thinking -- and that someone should be you.
With nobody to confide in, a child will have extra stress, which can decrease self-esteem and motivation. You could recall the struggles of your own school days and pass along a more positive experience. Listening to a child's concerns can be a major confidence booster.
You can't just leave it all up to the teacher. You should stay in touch with the child's assignments, tests and ongoing projects and offer help. You should be available and enthusiastic because children need to feel that parents 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 him yourself. Tutoring your own children can be rewarding for both of you.
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 him 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. When things get difficult, he'll respect your authority and see you as a resource for the help he needs.
The writer is a specialist in education.