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How Much Is Too Much

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13 views

How Much Is Too Much

Uploaded by

reychemvercredo93
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Parental Involvement in Education: How Much is Too Much?

The importance of parents being involved in their children’s education is something I witness
every day in my role as a teacher – and a parent at the same time. The latter role is vital, but how
involved should we be? How much is too much when it comes to helping our children succeed,
and when does support turn into suffocation?

Parents as Partners in Education

First and foremost, we must recognize the benefits of parental participation. Academic
performance is enhanced when parents actively participate in their children’s education. Parents
who are actively involved in their children’s learning needs are associated with better academic
performance, higher test scores, and admission to more rigorous programs, according to a 2018
study by the University of Minnesota. This is understandable since it demonstrates the value of
education when parents take an active role in this aspect.

The Downside of Over-involvement: Helicopter Parenting

However, there is a fine line between being supportive and being overbearing. We have all
encountered “helicopter parents” who hover over their children, micromanaging every aspect of
their education. Although well-intentioned, overprotection like this might hinder a child ’s ability
to think for themselves and solve problems. Parents should not micromanage their children too
much since it prevents them from learning to solve problems independently. Can you imagine a
student who never learns to solve problems independently? What kind of adult will they become?

Pressure Cooker: The Stress of High Expectations

Moreover, children can feel excessive pressure when their parents are overly involved. The
American Psychological Association published a paper in 2017 highlighting the correlation
between students’ elevated stress and anxiety levels and high levels of parental pressure. The
ability to make errors and grow from them is an important life lesson for children to acquire. If
their parents are always picking them up when they mess up, children could be discouraged from
taking the risks that are essential to their development.

Finding Balance: Supportive, Not Overbearing

Now the question is: where do we draw the line? Without a doubt, parents ought to be involved,
but in a measured and encouraging manner. Parents can do this by providing their children with a
quiet place for homework, setting a regular study schedule, and being available for questions
without taking over the tasks themselves. The most important thing is to be encouraging – both
when things are going well and when they are not.

Respecting Boundaries: Trusting Teachers

Parents should also remember to respect teachers’ professional boundaries in the classroom.
Likewise, the best way to encourage healthy learning is to trust teachers to do their jobs.
Well, the importance of parental and teacher cooperation cannot be overstated. Conferences
between teachers and parents, as well as regular updates on student achievement, help keep
everyone informed and on the same page. Problems can be effectively solved when parents and
teachers work together.

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