Mental Health Minute

May 2024                                                                                                    

Mental Health and Wellness

Parental Involvement

Why should parents be involved in their student’s education and what does that look like?

Research has indicated that active participation in your child's education can result in enhanced behavior, social aptitude, academic performance, attendance, and overall mental well-being. The concept of involvement may vary among families, as each has its own unique dynamics. To provide you with some suggestions on how you can engage in your child's education, here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Read to, and with, your child. According to Child’s Mind Institute, reading can lead to so much more than just learning to read. It gives the child the valuable opportunity to connect with others. Through reading, your child can develop empathy, learn how to handle difficult situations and challenging topics.

   
   

2. Talk with your child about their day at school, encourage them to share what they have learned. By doing so, you convey your genuine interest in their education and create an open line of communication. This proactive approach not only strengthens your bond with your child but also enables you to identify any potential issues before they escalate into significant problems, allowing for timely resolution.
   

3. Assisting your child with their school assignments not only aids in their academic success but also fosters a nurturing environment at home. By offering help with homework, you are showing your child that you value their education and are willing to invest time and effort into their learning journey. 
   

4. Make sure to attend school-sponsored events, such as Open House and sporting events, where your child is involved. By attending Open House, you will have the chance to personally meet your child's teacher, the school's administration, the student support team, and other parents. This will give you valuable insights into the school's expectations for your child and the support they can offer. Additionally, showing up to your child's sporting events will not only make them feel supported and cared for, but it will also contribute to the development of their self-confidence, ultimately leading to better mental health.
   

5. Volunteer in your child’s school. This is a great way for you to get to know the school staff (especially your child’s teacher), your child’s friends, as well as other parents. Volunteering is also good for YOUR mental health because it allows you a sense of purpose, could help alleviate stress, and increase your positive thinking.
   

6. Maintain communication with your child's teacher through attending Open Houses and utilizing open communication channels such as telephone, texts, and email. Both you and the teacher have the shared objective of ensuring the best possible education for your child. Collaborating together allows the teacher to gain a better understanding of how to effectively help your child learn. Your input regarding your child's personal life can offer valuable insights that may not be apparent in a school setting, enabling the teacher to better support your child. By working in partnership with the teacher, you can develop strategies to assist your child both at home and in the school environment.

Finally, being involved in your child’s education, (as seen above) can help your child have fewer mental health issues. Studies have shown that 4th graders who have parents who are involved in their education have lower risks of suicidal ideation and of being victims of bullying.

Collaborating with your child's educators and school staff is crucial in ensuring your child's overall well-being and academic success. Let us join forces to provide comprehensive support to our students, both in their studies and emotional development.

Happy Mental Health, 

Kim McDonald (RSHS Counselor)

Tierney Russell (RSHS Counselor)

Annette Locklear (RSHS Counselor)

Resources: 

Annie E Casey Foundation. (2022, December 14). Parental involvement in your child’s education. www.aecf.org. https://www.aecf.org/blog/parental-involvement-is-key-to-student-success-research-shows#:~:text=The%20Key%20to%20Student%20Success%2C%20Research%20Shows&text=Students%20whose%20parents%20stay%20involved,and%20adapt%20better%20to%20school. 

“Partnering with Your Child’s Teacher: Why It’s Important.” Understood, 5 August 2019, www.understood.org/en/articles/why-its-important-to-partner-with-your-childs-teacher.

Samoray, Chris. “Parental Involvement a “Protective Factor” for Mental Health. UMD College of Education. “Umd.edu, 10 May  2022, education.umd.edu/news/03-29-129-parental involvement-%E2%809Cprotective -factor%E2%80%9D-mental-health#