When I learned to ride a bike, my father ran behind me with his hand on the seat. When I could ride without his support, he still ran behind me for a while. Although your child is becoming independent, she needs support during the process that only you, as a parent, can provide. Sometimes parent involvement drops off because parents feel their children don t want them to be around so much. For example, your teen may not mind if you act as a chaperone on a school trip, as long as you ride on a different bus than him.
Parent involvement can also take a number of forms at home.
There are plenty of ways to spend time with your child and get to know her friends. Suggest that she invite her friends over to watch movies or hang out. As the kids drift in and out of the kitchen for snacks, take the opportunity to ask your child's friends casual, non-intrusive questions to get a sense of who they are, and to send your child the message that you care. Visit The PTA Connection on FamilyEducation Network.