How Parents Help Shape their Child’s Growth

Abstract

This study aims to examine the different ways parents get involved in their children’s lives, how often they do so, and which forms of involvement have the strongest impact on a child's growth and development. Parental involvement is believed to play a more significant role in a child's development than other factors like family income, household size, or parents’ educational background. When parents take an active role in their child's education, it often leads to better learning outcomes, higher academic success, improved thinking and problem-solving skills, greater enjoyment of school, better attendance, and fewer behavioral issues. However, parents differ in how much they believe they should be involved and how much involvement is expected or encouraged by schools. Factors such as financial challenges, work schedules, and educational background can influence how much parents are able to participate. This research aims to provide a clearer understanding of how parental involvement functions within the family and the child’s broader social setting. The goal is to explore how increased and effective parental participation supports children’s academic and personal development. The findings of this study may benefit parents who want to understand their role in their child's education, educators who collaborate with families, and ultimately the children, who gain the most from their parents’ active engagement.