Studies of poor and minority parents in Maryland, New England, and the Southwest, for instance, have found that parents care deeply about their children's education but may not know how to help. Parents can learn new techniques. Successful programs help parents identify what they're capable of doing and how to overcome obstacles. One way to do this is by teaching them new skills and behaviors, such as helping their children through home learning. Cultural differences are both valid and valuable.
Successful programs learn about other cultures and respect their beliefs.
They find ways of building on the loyalty and obedience, for example, that Hispanic parents instill in their children. Many family forms exist and are legitimate. Successful programs involve stepparents or even grandparents, and provide family support where resources are limited. All individuals and families need to feel empowered, especially at-risk families who often feel powerless and out of control. Successful programs ask parents what they'd be interested in doing and work with their agendas first.