The education of a child has its foundation at home, and parents, as their first teachers, must be well equipped for this duty. With the world changing rapidly in virtually every facet, parents have a limited time to impact the upbringing of their children. The consequence of this is the huge cost society must bear in dealing with defiant children who roam our streets.
The role of the school in shaping the character of children must be complemented at home by the parents. Effective learning happens at this point, as parents offer a helping hand to guide them in their educational pursuits. Limiting learning to the classroom to develop good learners is a mistake most teachers and parents have made in the past. Parents offer authentic inspiration that is vital to making them successful students. Involvement in school activities by these parents is essential.
Parents are ever-present in the lives of their children. Here are ten things parents do best for their children:
- A role model for your child?
A role model is a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others. It is always surprising to parents that kids readily imitate their actions as opposed to instructions ditched out regularly. Children copy virtually everything from their parents, hence the need to be deliberate in being an ideal role model. Be your best as much as you can, take care of yourself, be loyal and attentive, and instill healthy skepticism in your children. Children look up to their parents in order to help determine appropriate behaviors. Let them see the beauty of learning both at home and from school.
- Establish the culture of reading together
Why read to your kids? Research shows that children improve their cognitive skills through reading, as well as assist in the process of cognitive development. 
When books are read aloud to children, it simulates their imagination, providing them with a broad understanding of the world. Their language and listening skills are developed with a proper foundation put in place for comprehension of the written word.
Children derive support and confidence from doing things with their parents. Helping with reading is one of the best ways to be close to a child’s learning at school. Not only will their vocabulary improve, it elicits in them the desire to read more.
Readers are said to be leaders. Developing a love of reading early in a child’s life prepares them for success in life as they will invariably love learning. Children who are challenged with reading tend to struggle with learning.
- Monitor the child’s activity
With the incursion of technology into our lives, monitoring your child’s activity both at school and at home is a must for all parents. Their activities have a direct bearing on how they perform at school. What they watch and listen to in today’s world must have your input and guidance at all times. Let them be at liberty to ask if they are confused.
- Relationship between parents and teachers
Parents that participate in parent teacher meetings and interaction sessions tend to have a better grasp of their children’s effort at school. Parents that maintain a good relationship with their kid’s teachers have the teachers show interest in issues that concern the child and readily correct them if the child is wrong. This is good for both parties.
- Make the home a happy place to be.
Due to their tender ages, parents have to ensure that a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere is the norm at home. Quarrelling and bickering should not involve the children or happen in their presence. The absence of a conducive environment can make your kids love the neighbor’s home more than theirs.
- Give constructive criticism.
When you notice your children’s poor performance or lack of concentration in their studies, make sure to correct them as soon as possible. In doing this, avoid using destructive words or phrases such as
“You’re dramatic.”
“You’re so selfish.”
“I wonder why I gave birth to you.”
Rather, use phrases like
You are loved.
You make me smile.
My world is better because of you.
Always use constructive criticism once you observe any downsides. Let them understand where they erred, as they usually tend to ask. Patience and understanding will help avoid blaming them.
- Homework time is collaboration time.
Kids are excited when parents support them in doing their assignments. Never do their homework for them, rather be a guide, give them tips, because you deprive them of knowing how to do their homework when you take over, possibly to save time. Love for children involves time.
- Get them prepared for examinations.
The school will play its part, but parents have a critical role in getting kids ready for exams. Leaving them to study alone can result in failure. Good guidance, which should involve giving them mini tests at home ahead of the real examination, builds their confidence as it minimizes exam worries and tensions. Home schooling has also shown that effectively tutored kids at home match or even outsmart those in school.
- Reward good performance.
Rewarding kids who perform well in their studies is very important as it motivates them to do better. Rewards could include picking a movie, visiting the park, 30 minutes of extra screen time etc.
There are several types of rewards. Material ones include pizzas, toys, or different things that cost cash. Social rewards are another type. They are cheap or free and can be significantly more valuable than material ones. They can also be given more frequently and after the display of desired acceptable behaviors. They include a show of affection, praise as well as attention, and special activities.
However, set a limit and it is not good to over shower them with gifts for an average performance, which fades away their killer instinct.
However, let there be a limit as it isn’t acceptable to over give them gifts when the performance is average. The killer instinct of a child can disappear.
- Share your personal experience.
My father loved to always share his life experiences with us on a regular basis. Both positive and negative experiences helped us take our studies seriously. His teaching on honesty and hard work with its rewards has also helped form our world view.
No one can do for a child what the parents ought to do. Give them the best.
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