Top 10 Things Teachers Wish Parents Would Do

by FamilyEducation Staff

Brought to you by the
National PTA®.

1. Be involved. Parent involvement helps students learn, improves schools, and helps teachers work with you to help your children succeed.

2. Provide resources at home for learning. Utilize your local library, and have books and magazines available in your home. Read with your children each day.

3. Set a good example. Show your children by your own actions that you believe reading is both enjoyable and useful. Monitor television viewing and the use of videos and game systems.

4. Encourage students to do their best in school. Show your children that you believe education is important and that you want them to do their best.

5. Value education and seek a balance between schoolwork and outside activities. Emphasize your children's progress in developing the knowledge and skills they need to be successful both in school and in life.

6. Recognize factors that take a toll on students' classroom performance:
   • Consider the possible negative effects of long hours at after-school jobs or in extracurricular activities. Work with your children to help them maintain a balance between school responsibilities and outside commitments.
   • View drinking and excessive partying as serious matters. While most parents are concerned about drug abuse, many fail to recognize that alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, and common substances used as inhalants are more frequently abused than illegal drugs.

7. Support school rules and goals. Take care not to undermine school rules, discipline, or goals.

8. Use pressure positively. Encourage children to do their best, but don't pressure them by setting goals too high or by scheduling too many activities.

9. Call teachers early if you think there's a problem while there is still time to solve it. Don't wait for teachers to call you.

10. Accept your responsibility as parents. Don't expect the school and teachers to take over your obligations as parents. Teach children self-discipline and respect for others at home -- don't rely on teachers and schools to teach these basic behaviors and attitudes.