Parents and Learning

When children are young, they learn through repetition and replication, that is, they do what they see their parents and those around them doing. Children are like sponges, soaking up information from the world around them. This is a crucial time for them, as they learn fast and their personalities, values, and habits begin to develop early. Parents have an unending responsibility to ensure their children are getting the best possible education beginning from day one.

It is important that parents are involved in their children's continuing education from the beginning of school. Even in kindergarten, it is crucial for parents to begin teaching good study habits. Interacting with the child when he or she gets home, listening, and even repeating activities he or she has learned will help foster interest and learning. As the child gets older, making sure that help is appreciated and wanted is important, so that parents don't make the mistake of being overbearing, thereby creating resentment in the child. A balance is needed for parents so that they don’t frustrate the child or make him or her think he or she cannot learn on his or her own.

Often children get lazy or distracted, so setting a small amount of time each day devoted to educational development is a good idea. Parents can make it fun by incorporating educational board or card games. If a child sees his or her parent excited about learning, they will model that behavior and develop wonderful study skills. Parents are essential when it comes to their children's ongoing and continued education. Education should not end when the school bell rings, so taking an active interest in what our children are learning is key to healthy educational habits.