As parents, we have an incredible superpower: From everyday moments, we grow true and deep connections with our kids. When we spend quality time, create routines, and listen to and learn from them, we come to know their ever-evolving strengths and challenges better than anyone.
Similarly, parents often come to know their child’s school by prioritizing meaningful opportunities to connect, to learn, and to engage. In fact, family-school engagement has been proven to help get kids more engaged in school, more motivated, and earning better grades. It can improve your child’s emotional and mental health – all while laying a foundation of success for your child at school.
Want to deepen those connections & be a school parent superhero? Start with these five tips based on research & conversations with families across the country:
1. Build a strong relationship with your child’s teacher.
The U.S. Department of Education has a wealth of resources for families to effectively partner with their child’s teacher and school, including those specifically for families who are English learners and families of children with special needs.
Consider setting up regular meetings to learn more about your child’s progress throughout the school year (draw inspiration from these sample questions to kickstart the conversation). As your student reaches middle and high school, continuing these school-home connections are essential for supporting their college and career pathways.
2. Engage & connect with your child’s school.
When talking with your child’s teacher, ask about opportunities to connect with other parents in your child’s class, grade, or school. Parent-teacher organizations, back-to-school nights, and school events offer opportunities to not only volunteer, but to engage directly with teachers, administrators, and other parents. These are also great opportunities to learn more about your child’s academic and extracurricular activities!
3. Stay informed.
Join your school’s email distribution list, social networks, and other communication channels. Consider helping your school formulate communications strategies that are efficient, direct, authentic, and tailored to your school community. This means implementing tools that consider any unique accessibility or technology challenges, or language barriers.
You can also stay in touch with the Department by signing up for our Family, School, & Community Engagement Newsletter.
4. Look for opportunities to engage beyond your child’s school.
At our ED Parent Empowerment Pop-Ups, we invite parents and families to join us for authentic conversation, communication, and connection.
Across the U.S., parent and community organizations regularly host events to learn what parents want and need from their schools. Many of these same organizations – like Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, local colleges, community centers, and libraries – also serve as connection points with other parents, as well as provide opportunities for out-of-school time engagement for your child.
5. Recognize signs of burnout.
To give your best to your kids, you’ve got to take care of yourself.
The Surgeon General recently released an advisory on parental mental health, highlighting the importance of nurturing connections with other caregivers & recognizing that parenting is easier with a community of support. Look for opportunities at your child’s school to use mental health resources for parents, learn from others’ experiences, and build a supportive environment.
Parental involvement in schools is a true superpower, benefitting students, families, and school communities. Using these five tips will only strengthen that power – and strengthen connections with both your child and their school.
