Parental involvement can make a big difference in a child’s education. When parents are engaged, whether by helping with homework, attending school events, or staying in touch with teachers; students often perform better in school, show improved behavior, and develop stronger social skills (Henderson & Mapp, 2002).
Still, the level of involvement matters. Too little support at home can leave students feeling isolated or unmotivated. Without parental encouragement, some children may struggle with confidence, discipline, and academic achievement (Fan & Chen, 2001).
At the same time, too much involvement can be just as problematic. Some parents put heavy pressure on their children to succeed, closely monitoring every assignment or pushing for top grades. While well-intentioned, this can create stress, anxiety, and even a fear of failure, which may harm a student’s mental health and attitude toward learning (Grolnick & Pomerantz, 2009).
The key is finding balance. Parents should provide encouragement and structure, but also give their children space to grow, solve problems, and learn from mistakes. Meanwhile, schools should create open lines of communication with families and offer guidance on how to stay involved in a healthy, supportive way.
When schools and parents work together, respecting each other’s roles, students benefit the most. They’re more likely to feel secure, motivated, and confident both in and out of the classroom.
