The Importance of Parental Involvement in Teen Education
As adolescents navigate the challenges of high school, parental involvement plays a crucial role in their academic success. While teenagers are seeking independence, parents can provide support, guidance, and valuable resources to help them thrive in their education. In this article, we will explore some effective ways parents can contribute to their teen’s success in high school and beyond.
*The information in this article refers to the following articles for reference:
- 10 Ways to Help Your Teen Succeed in High School by Kids Health
- Adolescent Education and Skills by Unicef
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1. Foster Open Communication about School
Encouraging open communication with your teen is essential. Dedicate time each day to discuss their experiences at school, demonstrating your interest and support. There are several ways to encourage open communication by:
- Actively listening, making eye contact
- Avoid multitasking during conversations to show consideration
- Asking open-ended questions that encourage your teen to respond thoughtfully
- Finding opportunities for conversations beyond traditional settings, such as during car rides, meal preparation, or while walking the dog
Building a strong communication foundation strengthens the parent-teen relationship and facilitates their educational journey.
2. Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle
Teens who engage in a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and a well-balanced diet are more likely to succeed academically compared to those who don’t do so. Ensure that your teen consumes breakfast foods rich in whole grains, fibre, and protein while minimizing added sugars. Adequate sleep is also crucial for optimal performance in school. Teens should aim for 8½ to 9½ hours of sleep each night. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, limiting electronic device usage before bed, and discouraging daytime napping can help regulate their sleep patterns.
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3. Become Familiar with your Teen’s School
Getting to know the physical layout of the school and its facilities can help parents engage in meaningful conversations with their teens about their school day. It is beneficial to be aware of the location of the main office, school nurse, cafeteria, gym, auditorium, and special classes. By getting to know their teen’s school, parents can show their teens that they are invested in their education and well-being.
4. Offer Support with Homework
As teens go through high school, they will encounter a gradual increase in the difficulty of their homework, along with the quantity of it. Establishing a quiet, well-lit, and distraction-free study area for your teen will aid them in focusing on homework. Encourage them to ask for help when needed and to take advantage of teachers’ availability for extra assistance. Regularly review your teen’s work load to help them create a balanced homework and study schedule. Balancing academics with extracurricular activities, social lives, and jobs can be challenging, so parents should provide guidance and support in finding the right balance.
5. Offer Assistance with Studying if Needed
If your teen is overwhelmed by studying, then they should be encouraged to take breaks when needed, and avoid procrastination. Note-taking in class, and maintaining organized notes should be encouraged by both teachers and parents. Furthermore, engaging in various study techniques, such as creating practice tests, and repeating information through writing, reading, speaking, and listening is also helpful. If your teen is struggling with certain subjects, recommend seeking help from teachers, classmates, or tutoring programs. Depending on the struggle, some teens are able to overcome academic challenges on without assistance (i.e. learning to solve quadratic functions by completing several practice questions). On the contrary, teens should be encouraged, but not forced into seeking assistance for issues such as an inability to concentrate while studying.
6. Holding Teens Accountable for their Education
While teens will thrive academically with the support of their parents, they have to take accountability for their academic success. Teens who take ownership of their education by attending school, completing homework, and by learning to set their own goals are more likely to become successful. Parents should strive to support their teens throughout high school, but they should also encourage their teens to be accountable for their education by:
- Ensuring that your teen attends school on a regular basis
- Addressing any challenges that will affect their teens’ attendance (i.e. bullying, health challenges)
- Attending parent-teacher conferences to keep track of academic progress
- Encourage teens to complete all assignments before, or by the scheduled due date
- Allow teens to set their own academic and personal goals (i.e. attend university, start a business)
Parents can empower their teens to excel academically and navigate the challenges of high school successfully. Through collaboration between parents, teachers, and school administrators, we can ensure that all teenagers have the necessary resources and support to thrive in their educational journey and prepare for a successful future.
Looking for more ways to explore the importance of parental support in teen education? Read more about the importance of developing a learning routine here.