Having frequent family conversations about school and daily life benefits the child in many ways. It is important for a parent to express interest in the child's personal and academic growth. Expressing affection and teaching children how to defer immediate gratification in order to achieve long-term goals affects their performance and success in school.
Parents should become physically involved in the child's school -- attending extracurricular events, conferences and PTA meetings, and working as volunteers -- to create a connectedness between the family, the child and the school. When school is considered an important part of the family's life this improves the student's academic performance.
A tremendous factor influencing academic success is whether a parent loves learning and values education. Having parents who read, use math in every day life and explain to their child how important education is regarding economic success and social acceptance is integral to a child's learning success. The parental belief that their child can increase their chances for success by working hard to get good grades makes an impression that affects learning.
The most effective ways for a parent to be involved include monitoring the child's after school activities including setting limits on computer use and TV viewing, giving the child chores, helping with homework when necessary, setting a firm bedtime and insisting that the family have supper together. Parents can provide a safe, supportive home environment is conducive to learning, create home learning activities, provide good role models, make sure the child has access to books and at least occasionally gets to travel.