What If the Secret to Academic Success Starts in Your Living Room?

THE HOMEWORK NO ONE TALKS ABOUT:

HOW PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IS A KEY FACTOR IN STUDENTS' PERFORMANCE

Success in school can carry over to successful experiences later in life. That underscores the benefits of developing skills in the classroom. Students learn in their own way, and at times there may need to overcome various obstacles.

The job of education does not fully fall on educators and administrators. Education begins at home. Research has found that kids benefit significantly when parents and other caregivers are strongly involved in a child's education. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Prevention and Intervention in the Community found that parental involvement in a child's education is associated with improved academic performance. Specifically, children whose parents are more involved in their educations have higher levels of academic performance than children whose parents were not as involved.

A 2005 study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Center of School, Family and Community Partnerships showed that school practices that encourage families to support their students' math learning at home led to higher percentages of students scoring at or above proficiency on standardized math tests. Additional research indicates the benefits also extend to other subjects and areas of learning, including language comprehension and expressive language skills.

With so much to gain from parental involvement in students' educations, parents can embrace these strategies to get more involved.

Build a Two-Way Partnership with Teachers

Don’t wait for a parent-teacher conference to check in. Proactively reach out early in the school year—by email or in person—to introduce yourself and ask how you can best support your child’s learning at home.

Better yet, ask targeted questions like:

• “What specific skills are being focused on this month?”

• “Where do you think my child excels—and where could they use reinforcement?”

• This level of curiosity and involvement allows parents to provide focused help—or connect with a tutor or therapist when necessary—before small challenges snowball into bigger setbacks.

Create a Supportive, Not Stressful, Academic Culture at Home

Parental pressure—whether direct or unspoken—can cause students to associate learning with anxiety. Instead of framing grades as the end goal, emphasize effort, consistency, and curiosity.

If a child struggles with a subject, model a growth mindset by saying things like:

• “This is tough now, but we can figure it out step by step.”

• “What part of this feels confusing? Let’s break it down together.”

  
  

Research from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence shows that kids who are emotionally supported at home are better able to manage academic pressure and self-motivate over time.

Participate in School Life in Meaningful Ways

Yes, attending back-to-school nights and open houses shows support—but deeper involvement can be even more impactful. Volunteer in the classroom if possible, or join the school’s parent advisory committee. Ask teachers how you can contribute to a classroom project or assist remotely if time is tight.

This shows children that their education is a shared priority, and helps you stay tuned into the school's culture, expectations, and resources. It also builds informal networks with other parents, teachers, and staff—invaluable when navigating challenges like social issues, learning concerns, or transitions between grades.

Establish Predictable Routines That Make Learning Sustainable

Kids thrive on consistency. A home schedule doesn’t need to be rigid, but it should provide structure that allows kids to anticipate when it's time to focus and when it's time to rest.

This includes:

• A dedicated homework window (with breaks built in).

• Screen-free wind-down time before bed.

• Morning routines that reduce chaos and start the day calmly.

  
  

Research from the National Sleep Foundation also reinforces that regular bedtimes significantly improve academic performance, particularly in elementary and middle school students.

You don’t need to be an expert in every subject to support your child’s academic success—you just need to be present, proactive, and responsive. The most powerful educational support often happens in quiet moments: helping them organize their backpack, reviewing a tough math concept, or just listening after a long school day.

“When parents, teachers, and students work together, learning becomes a shared journey—not a solo race.”

10 Smart Questions to Ask Your Child’s Teacher This Fall

Want to stay more involved in your child’s education this year? These questions can help open communication and uncover ways to support learning at home—without waiting for a problem to arise.

• What are the main academic goals for this semester?

  – Helps parents align home support with classroom objectives.

  
  

• How does my child seem to be adjusting socially and emotionally?

  – Opens the door to more than just academic updates.

  
  

• Is there a specific subject or skill they’re struggling with right now?

  – Gives you a chance to intervene early.

  
  

• What kind of learner do you think my child is?

  – Auditory, visual, hands-on? This can shape how you help at home.

  
  

• What’s the best way to reinforce classroom learning at home?

  – Encourages helpful, realistic strategies (not busywork).

  
  

• Are there any upcoming projects or units we should be aware of?

  – Prevents last-minute scrambles.

  
  

• How can I support my child’s organization and time management?

  – Especially helpful in middle school or higher.

  
  

• What online tools, apps, or resources do you recommend?

  – Shows your willingness to extend learning beyond the classroom.

  
  

• What’s your preferred method of communication—and how often should I check in?

  – Helps avoid miscommunication and sets clear expectations.

  
  

• What’s one thing you wish more parents would do at home to support learning?

  – This often reveals powerful, teacher-tested advice.

By, Lucy Chatman

Staff Writer for HealthyHOME Media