By Charmaine Ndlela
Education experts and teachers are calling on parents to become more involved in their children’s academic lives, stressing that parental support plays a decisive role in a learner’s performance, confidence and long-term success.
Research consistently shows that learners whose parents are actively involved in their schooling are more likely to achieve higher grades, display positive behaviour and remain motivated throughout their academic journey. Teachers say this involvement should start at home, continue throughout the year, and not only happen at report-collection time.
A review by the National Committee for Citizens in Education found that students experience numerous academic benefits when schools and families work together. These benefits include better grades, higher test scores, higher graduation rates and stronger enrolment rates in post-secondary education.
According to Positive Action, students with supportive parents are 81% more likely to graduate from high school.
According to a study by Rumberger, students who lack academic support and supervision are 34% more likely to drop out of school. The same study found that students whose parents have low educational expectations are more likely to leave school compared to those whose parents have higher expectations.
The South African government has identified improving the quality of education as a national priority. In an effort to strengthen education outcomes for all learners, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has introduced a number of programmes in schools and has repeatedly emphasised the importance of parents and guardians in supporting children’s learning.
The department said that the level of parent and community participation in schools is low. To encourage fuller involvement, the DBE developed a booklet of practical guidelines that outlines how parents can contribute meaningfully to their children’s success at school, including what parents can do at home to improve learner achievement.
The DBE said the booklet aims to help parents reflect on questions such as:
- How is my child doing at school?
- How can I make sure that my child is successful at school?
- How can I make sure that my child improves?
- What can I do to make sure that my child has a positive experience at school?
- How can I support my child and encourage them through difficult times?
The department further said the booklet will empower parents with information to enable them to become more involved in their children’s education so that children can reach their full potential.
The African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child” means that the work of raising and educating a child cannot be left to the parent alone, but requires the support of an entire community. It is only as the ‘village’ participates and strives together that children will receive a quality education,” the DBE said.
National and international research confirms the crucial role that parents and communities play in children’s success, including more positive attitudes toward school, higher achievement, better attendance and more homework completed consistently.
The South African Schools Act highlights the importance of parental involvement and establishes systems aimed at facilitating meaningful school–parent relationships.
Despite efforts to encourage parental involvement, progress is often hampered by poverty, single-parent households, unemployment and a lack of supportive family structures. In many communities, these pressures shift the focus from education to daily survival — leaving children without the consistent academic support they need.
The teachers that Inside Education spoke to emphasised the importance of building a strong academic bond with children, so they feel comfortable sharing challenges they may be facing.
None of the teachers can be named as their schools have not given them authority to speak to the media.
“Support your children by all means and give them the support they deserve,” one educator said. “Assist them with schoolwork all the time and learn to listen to them without judging. Be present in the process.”
Educators also advised parents to make checking schoolbooks and schoolwork a daily routine.
“It is important to always check your children’s books every day after school,” another teacher said. “This helps parents understand what their child is learning and where they may be struggling.”
Many teachers said parental involvement should go beyond homework supervision and include consistent engagement with the school.
“Attend meetings don’t just come in December to collect reports,” one teacher urged. “Parental presence throughout the year makes a difference.”
Another educator stressed the importance of monitoring children’s behaviour and emotional well-being.
“Check your child’s behaviour patterns and always put your child first after God,” the teacher said.
Teachers also pointed out that learning responsibilities are increasingly shared between schools and parents, especially as workload pressures grow.
“Teaching has largely been transferred to parents nowadays,” one educator explained.
“There is a lot of homework given. If parents don’t help teach their children at home, many learners will struggle or fail.”
“As a former Education Assistant (EA), I believe parental involvement must be intentional and consistent,” she said.
“Parents should also teach children that failure is not final, but a learning opportunity while still encouraging them to aim higher academically.”
Some teachers highlighted the importance of parents being willing to confront difficult truths about learners’ academic behaviour and performance.
“Make appointments to discuss your child’s behaviour,” one parent advised. “Your child may be an angel at home and a monster at school. Many parents are in denial.”
Another educator cautioned against forcing learners into subjects beyond their capabilities.
“Maths and science are not for everyone,” the parent said. “If a child struggled with maths in Grade 9, insisting they continue may only lead to further failure.”
Teachers also raised concerns about excessive cellphone use, warning that while devices can be useful educational tools, they often become major distractions.
“Some children are exposed to inappropriate content and online dangers,” a teacher said. “Parents must monitor and limit cellphone usage.”
Discipline was repeatedly highlighted as a key contributor to academic success.
“Education is not only about IQ,” one educator noted. “Discipline is the main factor. Parents are the greatest teachers.”
Tutors and education practitioners encouraged parents to invest in study materials such as extra textbooks, study guides and past exam papers, while remaining actively involved in how learners use them.
One tutor said. “Above all, show interest in your child’s education from January, not just at the end of the year.”
Experts warned that children who are academically neglected often lose interest in education because they see no vision or purpose in it. However, with consistent parental guidance, support and encouragement, learners are more likely to persevere and reach higher education.
As one put it: “Love your child enough to care about their education. Remember, your child didn’t ask to be here therefore guiding them is your responsibility.”
INSIDE EDUCATION
