Be a part of your child’s school, hobbies, and activities

It is probably not a secret that kids whose parents are involved are happier, healthier, and more adjusted, and they do better in school and in their spare time.  It can help kids learn more, keep them interested, improve their relationship with their parents, and have a direct positive effect on their overall academic performance.  It can also help parents feel better about their parenting, boost their confidence and self-esteem, and make them happier with their child’s school experience.

But how do you become involved? Between home, work, and school, families today are quite busy, so it may seem like they do not have much quality time to provide.  There are, however, many options and levels of commitment that might work for every parent. With some careful planning and devotion, you can make it a positive experience for both you and your child.

First, find out what your youngster is most interested in.  You might have thought about helping for the school bake sale to help generate money, but your child is actually more interested in her local Girl Scouts group. If so, meet with the other Girl Scout parents to see how you can help.  You may plan a bake sale to help pay for their next summer trip. 

It is also crucial to think about what skills, talents, and abilities you may bring to the table.  Your child’s school might really need your help organising a fundraiser, but if you know how to sew and design, you might be able to help the school more by providing costumes for the school play.  Keep in mind that you want this to be a pleasant experience for both of you. If your child thinks you are not satisfied with what you have chosen to do, they probably will not be happy either. 

But the most important thing is to become active and stay committed.  Kids whose parents are involved are less likely to get into trouble, have emotional difficulties, or do poorly in school.  You gain from remaining in touch with your child and getting to know them.  It is a good deal for both of you.