Children will mimic their parents’ positive or negative attitudes toward education

For many years, developmental psychologists have drawn attention to early developmental stages because they create the foundation for later development. As a result, a lot of emphasis has been placed on the role of education and child care settings, but there is still a need for families and communities to do their part.

Parental involvement plays a vital role in children’s cognitive and social development and the pursuit of academic success. Many factors influence a child’s readiness for school, but effective parents are the most influential factor.

What parents can control:

Talking with your young children
Listening to your young children
Reading to your young children
The amount of time your children watch television
Engaging in daily physical activities with you young children
Setting age-appropriate expectations within the home
Providing positive behavior supports instead of punitive discipline
The amount you monitor your child’s progress and student achievement
Developing a value for education
Developing positive and nutritious eating habits
Receiving regular physical check-ups and dental care
Involvement in child care and preschool programming
Your child’s consistent attendance at preschool or in child care setting

To learn more about the goals of BUILD New Jersey as it relates to parents,
click on BUILD Policy Focus. For current research, relevant links and
additional information, click on Learn More.

Did You Know?

Research has shown that children with high achievement scores have parents who have high expectations for them, who respond to and interact with them frequently, and who see themselves as “teachers” of their children.

Becher, R. M. (1984) “Parent involvement: A Review of Research and Principles of Successful Practice”