Get more involved in children’s lives, official urges parents
Parents and guardians are being urged to improve their involvement in their children’s school journey to improve their educational development.
The plea was made by chief executive officer at National Parenting Support Commission Kaysia Kerr during a parent training and information session on transformation in education at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston last week.
“Schools like to see parents come in. Unfortunately, we have many parents who drop off the children at day one and then show up five years later for graduation. You would have missed an important part of your children’s journey if that continues. We want you to be involved,” said Kerr.
According to Kerr, when parents are more involved, they will be aware of their child’s progress.
“We want you to know what the curriculum is asking, we want you to know what behaviours your children are displaying at school, we want you to know what their interests are because what you think they should be, and maybe what their natural gifts are, may not be the same,” she said.
Chief Transformation Officer at the Ministry of Education and Youth Dr Faith Alexander agreed, noting that parental involvement will promote better behaviour among children.
“We don’t have to look very far to see the fights, it’s all over social media. If parents are not involved, this is what is going to happen. Not all the children are rude and uncontrollable but there are those who are, and you can see the difference of those children, whose parents are integrally involved in their academic career and in school,” she said.
Some of the parents who were present at the session, told the Jamaica Observer that they have actively played a role in supporting their children’s academic progress.
One parent, Venesha Francis stressed that she always maintains a good relationship with her children’s teachers.
“I am involved because I constantly maintain contact with the teachers and have dialogues with my sons to find out if they are having any challenges. Once we get a full understanding of what is going on, the issues they might have will be better resolved,” she said.
“I do believe parents should be more involved in their child’s life because you will see better results in children’s performance in school,” another parent added.
Another parent, Carol Lewis noted that she always gives other parents advice for their children.
” I have two sons attending high school and I am always there supporting. Whenever there is a PTA meeting, and anything is required, I always show my support. Even at work, I help my co-workers with their children as well,” said Lewis.