Linda F. Arter, left, helps her neighbor Alexis Blunt, 7, with her homework. Arter said she uses phonics to helps Alexis learn to read, and they study for 30 mintues everyday. (AP Photo/Anderson Independent-Mail, Sarah Bates)

Family Life is the Key to A Child's Success in School

How can parents and caregivers help their kids make the most of the new school year?

The United Nations reports that “family” may be the secret weapon in school success for kids.   What happens in the home helps to determine how well the child will do in school.   The amount of time spent together does not matter. It is the quality of time parents and caregivers give to their children that makes the difference.

“The amount of time children spend in school during the first 18 years of life is perhaps only 13% of waking hours,” says the International Academy of Education.   “The rest of the time is spent with family.”

The study shows that there are certain areas that are in a family's control that can help children do well in school.   These include:

• The bond between parent and child
• Routines in family life
• Family expectations for kids to succeed in school
• Help with homework
• Contact between teachers and parents
• Parent involvement in the school

Do not expect the school to raise your kids

After spending the first five years with our kids, most of us think we can drop them off and let the schools take over from there.   But, parents should know that it is not that easy.

Parents are still the first and best teacher for their children.   These areas of influence can also make up for poor quality schools or lower skill levels.    

Chelle Parker of Ohio is the parent of three children.   She says that creating one-on-one time with each child is important to their bond.  

“At those alone times, I act excited about their interests,” said Parker. “ It is a time I can listen about concerns with friends or school.”   When Parker acts excited, her kids are more eager to talk openly with her and to share more.

When talking about routine, Parker tries to remain flexible, but firm.

Parker is often home alone with the children and this leaves her with little spare time.

“My husband travels, so my nighttime routine is important,” says Parker.   “It varies with (their) sports, but it always ends with reading (with my children) in bed,” she says.

Homework is an issue in most homes

Some teachers want parents to correct their children's homework, and others do not.   Either way, parents need to check that homework is done.

Parker, who has a 5, 8, and 10 year old, says that follow up on homework is a basic routine in their home. Homework is her children's job, and she makes sure they do it. She sets a time when they must begin work.   But she lets her kids play first.

“My kids need to play when they get home,” she explained. “If I force them to work, they are grumpy and do not do their best work.”

She stays near the kids when they do their homework so that they feel free to ask questions.   If they say they have no homework, then they must spend their homework time reading.

Communication with schools is helpful.   

It is important for parents and caregivers to spend time at their kids' school and to talk to their teachers.

Try to volunteer at school in any way you can.   Attend school programs, even if your child is working behind the scenes. Meet or call teachers often to ask about your child's progress.   Show your child you value the time she spends in school and the work she does there.   If she sees you are interested and proud, she will work harder to succeed in school.