Children model their parents' behavior, ideals, morals, values, and social behaviors instinctively. The parents have the greatest influence over their children. Educators are admired and looked up to because of their mysterious wisdom, but no teacher will ever have the impact on a child that a parent does. While that may seem a little depressing, it is also very encouraging to us, as teachers. Parents can act as mentors, they can instigate and maintain reading groups, they can bring to light some cultural issues by telling of their heritage or experience, or they can share favorite stories with the class.
Parents can also be great supporters.
They can help their student in building patronage and pride in the school environment. Asking parents to be involved in fund-raisers to raise money for something their student has taken an interest in shows how much they value their child's educational career. Getting parents in the Parent-Teacher Association also helps in getting feedback from the parents as to what they think of the school. It also encourages communication between the parents and the teachers. In keeping the lines of communication open, there is a better chance to provide a united front and united expectations of the students.