Grow Up Strong -- Be Involved in Your Child's School Life

Beginning at an early age, most children spend much of their day at school. Make sure you stay informed about, and involved in, this part of your child's life.

Find ways to consistently connect home life with school life, and show your child that learning is an ongoing process that continues into adulthood. Contact your child's school and ask about volunteering.

• Lend a hand with theatrical and musical productions.
• Work with a sports team.
• Run a workshop or tutoring session for students.
• Spend some time with a specific club or interest group.
• Speak in the classroom or at a career day.
• Serve as a judge at a science fair, writing contest, or other competition.

You'll put your skills and areas of expertise to good use, and you'll help instill a lifelong love of learning in your child, which will contribute to his or her long-term academic and professional success.

Showing a genuine interest in your child's daily activities at school also will have a positive impact on his or her social competence and psychosocial development. This also will help foster open communication between you and your child, and contribute to higher levels of self-esteem and confidence.

On the other hand, children whose parents are uninvolved and don't ask about school, check assignments, go to parent-teacher conferences, or communicate with the school are likely to be less-motivated learners and less successful in school. These children are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors, which often persist into adulthood and can lead to a host of health problems.