There Is No Replacing the Importance of Parental Involvement

As an educator of 15 years and another 10 years spent working in adoption respite helping children manage the circumstances life had dealt them, I realized something true across the board. 

Most times in life, the only difference between a student who is struggling and a student who is taking gifted courses, has plenty of quality friends, and seems to have everything going for them is a set of loving parents who genuinely care. 

Qualities of a Successful Parent

Several important qualities create a good parent. If you have a parent (or are a parent) with a good number of these qualities, then keep up the excellent work. 

Shows Respect Towards Others

It is not enough to show respect towards other people you believe are influential individuals, but if you treat the less successful people in life as kings and queens, your children will notice and respond in kind. 

Knows Kids Need a Parent and Not Always a Best Friend

A best friend is great. They will often join in the many adventures that life presents. Sometimes, this can be questionable behavior, though, and should not be condoned. A parent needs to be able to lay down the law when required and hold their children accountable. If a parent allows their kid to walk all over them, it is just a matter of time before treating others the same way. Being a good parent is being strong enough to make unpopular decisions now and then, even if your child is unhappy with it. 

Helps to Make Plans for the Future

It’s quite amazing to hear from the many high school students I have worked with who have not planned after high school graduation. Good parents will help make life plans with their kids and provide possible options based on their goals. If you are a parent struggling with helping your child plan for the future, iAchieve can assist with providing you both the knowledge needed for what is about ready to come around the corner after high school. 

Remembers What It Is Like to Be a Kid

As an educator, there have been times when I have met parents that are so far out of touch that you wonder if they were ever kids, to begin with. If you can’t empathize and sympathize with your child when they encounter the everyday problems associated with childhood, then you should go back and analyze your years from back when you were a kid. Getting detention, a poor grade, an argument with a friend, or any number of issues that go with being in school is perfectly normal. 

Significant Difference Between a Solid Parent and a Helicopter Parent

With all of this said, sometimes the most challenging part about being a parent is letting your child fail when they deserve it. Being a helicopter parent, hovering over your child and trying to fix their mistakes, prevents them from taking ownership of their own decisions. If your child earned a low score on a test, they probably deserved it, so it is not up to you to ask the teacher for a retake. There are specific problems that your children need to solve on their own. Otherwise, you will have a 30-year-old running to you for constant help later in life when they should be able to stand on their own two feet. Growth often comes from struggles in life, and you either can sink from the weight of it or learn to swim. 

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