Self-esteem begins early in life and is largely shaped by a parent's guidance. In the absence of parent involvement in elementary schools, the student is without a significant resource to gauge abilities and educational gains against or to seek clarification for and help with homework assignments. When a student is uncertain of his knowledge capabilities, he can develop low-self esteem. Behavioral changes, extracurricular activities, attendance and grades can decline as a result.
A study at the Michigan Department of Education shows parent involvement is twice as likely to have a positive effect on academic success as the financial status of a family. The positive influence on grades encouraged by parent involvement is reversed when parents are absent from the learning experience, and students are more likely to achieve lower grades. When low self-esteem and poor grades combine, students may succumb to undesirable behavioral activities such as skipping school and using drugs and alcohol.
Families that embrace a predictable daily routine and monitor a child's extracurricular activities tend to raise children with predictable school attendance who participate in after-school sports such as baseball or intellectual activities such as chess club. Modeling behavior -- dedication to a job, for example -- increases accountability as well. Unsupervised children are more likely to have frequent unexcused absences from school and to experiment with drugs and alcohol. These activities can lead to more serious behavior such as violent behavior and gang involvement.
Varied household dynamics and not knowing how to get involved often influence a parent's involvement in school. In households with one parent or where both parents work, lack of time can be an obstacle. There are many ways to get involved in your child's education, however. Reading at home with children has a direct impact on literacy, for example. Knowing what your child is watching on television and taking part in that experience, setting up a homework routine and maintaining contact with your child's teacher are suggestions for combating the lack of involvement in elementary schools.