Numerous studies have shown that parental involvement is the single most significant factor contributing to a child s academic success. This same research also shows that positive parental involvement decreases student dropout, delinquency and pregnancy rates. The Family is Critical to Student Achievement, provides summaries and findings for many of these studies. In this 1994 compilation, numerous studies are cited showing 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. Unfortunately, the average day for most families is much different than it was just one generation ago.
Family members spend considerably less time together as a unit, and it s getting worse.
Recent studies suggest that American workers are spending more hours on the job more than employees in any other industrialized nation. As parents, we must realize that our number one priority has to be our children. Although we re extremely busy trying to support our families and meet the demands of the workplace, we cannot overlook the tremendous impact we have as parents. Fortunately for busy parents, many of the things we can do to make a difference require just a few minutes each day, cost little if any money, and don t force us to choose between work and children. Being a parent isn t easy, but it s the most important responsibility we ll ever have.