The Role of Parents in College Student Education
High school students dream of going away to universities to pursue their higher education leaving behind the nest they have called home for years. While it is a new learning environment for them, for parents, seeing their children go off to college is an emotional moment. Since their child is in the elementary school itself, most parents start thinking of saving funds and getting financial aid to support their kids. But just because your child is off to university now does not mean that all parental involvement has to stop. They can still play a vital role in providing an effective learning environment for college students that help their overall student performance.
Much like they needed you when they were younger, your children will still need your constant guidance to help with their growth and independence. Research has shown that parental engagement positively impacts student performance, such as higher graduation rates, higher test scores, and lower drop-out rates.
What is Parent Engagement?
Some parents proactively involve themselves in the responsibility to help their children achieve their educational goals. This is referred to as parental engagement. Such parents often make time to talk to their children about their problems in school or college and their overall education. They also meet with teachers to learn ways in which they can help out.
How Can Parents Help with their Children’s College Education?
Your child’s academic achievement is as much yours as is theirs, which is why having you around can help with their test scores and school activities. If you are looking for ways to help your kids when they are off to pursue their higher education, here are some pointers.
- Keep in Touch:
For some children, the simple knowledge that their parents are there for them is enough to go about the day without worry. Support is a vital tool in helping to stabilize one’s life. College can be overwhelming for students. They need to worry about their academic assignments, study material as well as tend to their basic needs and accommodations. You can easily keep in touch with your children via the internet. Thanks to social media, connecting with your loved ones has become easier than usual. Dropping by on the weekend is also a fun activity that your child is probably missing out on since enrolling in college.
- Embrace their Changes in Behavior:
When a child goes to college, their experiences and the overall learning environment can change their behavior. The college environment and their peers may affect their vocational, social, and personal conduct. It is a natural phenomenon that every child goes through. Parents must understand this as normal behavior and not try to stop change from happening. It is best to accept this new normalcy in your children and learn to love them for the new people they are becoming.
- Be their Rock:
Let your child know that you are there for them if they ever encounter problems or difficulties. Whenever they feel the need to vent out or let you know of some issues they are facing in college, make sure you listen to them without judgment. The experiences that you gained in college may not be similar to the ones that they are facing currently. This means that you may or may not have an idea about what they are going through. But through it all, let them know that you care and will be there to listen. If you suspect your child has more significant academic problems or substance abuse, do not hesitate to refer them to counseling.
Relationship Between Student Success and Parental Engagement
Many studies have researched the correlation between a child’s academic achievement and parental engagement level. When a child’s family is committed to meeting their educational goals since elementary school years, a strong foundation for student success is built. This also helps prevent chronic absenteeism, a phenomenon in which children miss more than twenty days of a school year. Teachers benefit a lot from parental engagement as well as these authority figures can work together to realize a single goal.
Has Parental Involvement Changed Over the Years?
A study in 2016 showed that parental involvement had decreased significantly over the last few years. It is getting harder for working professionals to manage the time for their children’s educational goals. They prefer remote communication methods, such as online student portals to talk about their children’s academic performance. Digital tools have helped bridge the gap between teachers and parents to some extent. But, most children miss out on opportunities to spend time with their families due to their busy schedules.
When teachers and parents can work together towards a shared goal, students can thrive. It also helps with the social and behavioral aspects of young individuals finding their place in the world. During their higher education pursuit, your child will need you more than ever, and their families need to manage the time for their child’s well-being.
Author’s Bio
Eve Maygar is one of the top writers in papersowl.com. With her expertise in the field of education, she helps students attain their goals. A blogger by passion, her publications can be read in several initial journals.
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Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
