Talking with children about school

Extracts from: "School -parent partnerships" from the Family and Parenting Institute

 

Talking with your children about school is important for their all round motivation and attainment.  Research shows that discussion at home about their education is one of the most important factors determining how well children eventually do.

Through conversation and discussions, parents can affect what children believe they can do in the future.

Many parents don't discuss education and school issues with their children because they think they lack the knowledge.  But you don't need to be knowledgeable about the detail of the subjects your children study to discuss, encourage and motivate.  If you show an interest in what your child does at school, or create a more relaxed atmosphere to talk together at home, that in itself gives a clear message to your child.

Encourage your child to talk rather than ask direct questions.

Research at the Family and Parenting institute suggests that many parents (...) who got involved with the school (...) through the parents association, found they could talk about school with their children more easily.