Theories on Parent Involvement

Being an involved, active parent can have a far-reaching impact on your child's development. From the school week to the weekend, and the social life in between, an involved parent knows what is going on and is an active listener to the children's studies and extracurricular activities. Many different theories tap into those short-term and long-term benefits.

  1. A Self-Esteem Boost

    • Poor self-esteem can leads to many social and academic problems in children. An involved parent has the ability to encourage a child's cooperation with other children. They can work together for a certain goal instead of competing for attention. According to Kids Health.org, one way to do this would be to have your older middle school student help a kindergartner to read. Communication is also key and it is important to be constructive and not critical when a child tells you about his day. Instead, identify and redirect any beliefs that the child may have about himself. If a child is struggling in one subject but is making good marks in other classes, she may call herself stupid. You can correct this irrational view by saying, "That is not true. You just have some trouble with math." Then you can take an active role by suggesting that you work on her homework together or offer an after-school tutoring program to help achieve a better grade.

    Better School Performance

    • Because students with higher self-esteem have more confidence in themselves, they will have more confidence in their abilities. They will believe in themselves. Many parents who are involved in their children's activities supply plenty of support for the things that they are doing.

    Quality Time

    • Spending that extra time with your children can help bring out their inner abilities, so says Kids Health.org. It also helps strengthen the bond between parent and offspring. For example, when you and your child are involved in the same sporting activity, like basketball, then you will have something to share and talk about every day. Soon you may find your child opening up about other topics that are going on in his life.

    Improved Life Skills

    • Involved parents help develop viable life skills that will help their children grow up to be well-adjusted members of society. According to My Child, a child who possess proper emotional, educational, social and professional skills learns these necessities from her parents. Because involved parents strive to keep a healthy relationship, their children will know how to as well because it was through that guidance that they were able to succeed in their adult lives.

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