Wellbeing

Parents as Partners

Parents play an essential role as the first educators of their children. Ongoing and active engagement of parents, families and communities has a major impact on a child’s success at school.

Dr Helen Street, in her book titled Contextual Wellbeing, states that “…teachers make a difference in the school environment; parents make a difference at home. Most parents have experience and knowledge about their child that comes from a long term emotional investment; teachers bring expert knowledge and experience about academic, social and emotional learning to the mix.”

In recent weeks we have seen these partnerships evolve, grow and strengthen. We acknowledge the amazing efforts parents have made to enhance their children’s learning from home and we thank you.

Cathy Quinn, in her 2017 Positive Times article refers to six parent engagement strategies. These are:

1. Authoritative Parenting.
2. Develop in your child a love of learning.
3. Hold and pass on high aspirations and realistic expectations.
4. Lead learning in the home.
5. Take an active interest in your child early on and maintain it throughout their schooling.
6. Build a home – school relationship.

Cathy states that the above six strategies have the greatest effect on children’s learning and wellbeing. The diagram below highlights strategy No.1 Authoritative Parenting.

When Cathy refers to Authoritative Parenting, she invites us to consider the balance between boundaries and love, modelling and teaching appropriate behaviour and expression of emotions, and asks the question, “What qualities would you like them to have as adults?” All the while reminding us to look after our own health and wellbeing so that we are more able to look after others.

Sources: 

1. Cathy Quinn - https://positivetimes.com.au/1319-2/
2. Dr Helen Street - http://www.positiveschools.com.au/