Empowering Parents: Understanding Your Role in Your Child's Education

Learning begins at home: Connect, play, explore.

Recently, I had an incredible opportunity to spend a couple of weeks at a primary school, experiencing firsthand what education is like in a formal school setting. The educators were wonderful, and the school demonstrated strong values, morals, and genuine love for children—not just in words, but in action.

However, there were also some challenges that I want to address with you, parents.

One of the saddest realities I see repeatedly, even in the preschools I oversee, is that many parents don’t fully understand what early education entails, why it is so important, and how to support their child when they struggle. Unfortunately, many educators also lack the tools to guide parents effectively. Children are often labelled, or parents are advised to seek therapy, which is unaffordable for many, while the government route can be slow and cumbersome.

Taking Responsibility as a Parent

So, what can we do as parents? The first step is to take responsibility for learning. As a mom myself, I focus on educating my children at home before relying solely on their educators. Teachers should be content experts, but parents should also understand key developmental terms such as fine motor skills, visual integration, and auditory processing. You can find more information about these educational terms and their practical applications for children on the Understood.org glossary for parents or similar reputable educational websites. With today’s technology, researching these terms and finding activities to strengthen these skills is easier than ever and can help your child thrive in school.

"The first step is to take responsibility for learning."

If your child is still quite young, take an interest in their education now. Buy them valuable toys and games that stimulate learning and provide a solid foundation for future skills. Activities that develop fine motor skills, problem-solving, creativity, early literacy, and numeracy are especially valuable. Examples include building blocks, puzzles, art supplies, educational board games, and interactive storybooks. Engaging your child in sensory play, music, movement, and simple science experiments can also prepare them for formal schooling. Research shows that early learning experiences have a long-term impact on cognitive development and academic readiness (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000; Barnett, 2011).

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You Are the Expert on Your Child

You, as a parent, know your child best, their needs, interests, and emotional temperament. Have you heard of Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences? This theory highlights that children learn in different ways. Some children excel in reading, maths, or spelling, while others shine in sports, art, or social interactions. Recognising your child’s unique learning style helps you provide tailored support without unnecessary comparisons (Gardner, 1983; Armstrong, 2009).

"Recognising your child’s unique learning style helps you provide tailored support without unnecessary comparisons"

For example, my son walked earlier than my daughter, but she learned colours and shapes before he did. This is not about intelligence; it is about different learning styles. Multiple intelligences include:

• Linguistic intelligence: Strong reading and writing skills.

• Logical-mathematical intelligence: Problem-solving and numerical skills.

• Spatial intelligence: Understanding of shapes, space, and design.

• Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: Physical coordination and athletic skills.

• Musical intelligence: Sensitivity to rhythm, melody, and sound.

• Interpersonal intelligence: Ability to understand and interact with others.

• Intrapersonal intelligence: Self-awareness and reflection.

• Naturalistic intelligence: Understanding nature and the environment.

  
  

Recognising these differences ensures that your child is supported academically while also encouraged to excel in areas they are naturally drawn to.

The Importance of Communication with Educators

While parents are the experts on their children, ongoing communication with educators is essential—not just on report days. Research shows that parental involvement in education significantly improves children’s academic success (Henderson & Mapp, 2002; Fan & Chen, 2001). By understanding your child’s struggles and strengths and taking active steps to support them at home, you can enhance their learning outcomes.

Early Involvement and Emotional Development

Parental involvement begins at birth and extends beyond academics. Focus on all areas of development, including:

• Attachment and emotional security: Respond sensitively to your child’s needs, provide consistent routines, engage in quality one-on-one time, and encourage your child to express feelings through play, art, or storytelling.

• Social skills: Encourage small playgroups, cooperative games, role-play, turn-taking, and problem-solving activities; model positive communication and conflict resolution.

• Cognitive skills: Read aloud and ask open-ended questions, explore sensory play and hands-on activities, provide puzzles and matching games, and encourage curiosity through simple experiments and nature exploration.

• Physical development: Encourage daily outdoor play (running, climbing, ball games), fine motor activities (threading beads, drawing, using tongs), dance and movement songs, and practical tasks like cooking or gardening to strengthen coordination and independence.

  
  

Conclusion

Education is a partnership between parents and educators. By taking an active role, understanding your child’s unique learning style, supporting them across academic, social, and emotional domains, and providing early learning experiences through valuable toys, games, and play, you are equipping your child for lifelong success. Remember, your child’s potential is best nurtured when you combine your love, insight, and advocacy with the expertise of educators.

"Education is a partnership between parents and educators"

Practical Tips for Parents

Here are some practical tips to help you support your child’s learning at different stages:

0–2 Years:

• Attachment and emotional security: Respond sensitively, provide consistent routines, engage in one-on-one time, and encourage expression through sounds, gestures, or play.

• Social skills: Interact through gentle turn-taking games, peek-a-boo, and simple social routines.

• Cognitive skills: Explore sensory play (water, sand, textures), read board books, and narrate daily activities.

• Physical development: Encourage crawling, reaching, grasping, and safe exploration of surroundings.

3–5 Years (Preschool/Grade R):

• Attachment and emotional security: Encourage independence with safe choices, validate feelings, and support self-expression through art or role-play.

• Social skills: Promote cooperative play, role-playing, sharing, and small group activities.

• Cognitive skills: Read aloud with discussion, offer puzzles and building blocks, explore sensory and nature-based activities, and ask open-ended questions.

• Physical development: Provide daily outdoor play, climbing, balancing, drawing, threading, and movement songs for coordination.

6–7 Years (Foundation Phase – Grades 1–2):

• Attachment and emotional security: Support self-reflection, validate feelings, and maintain predictable routines.

• Social skills: Encourage teamwork through group projects, team games, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Cognitive skills: Engage in hands-on learning, simple science experiments, cooking, storytelling, and reading with comprehension questions.

• Physical development: Include sports, dance, outdoor exploration, fine motor activities (writing, art, crafts), and practical life tasks to develop independence.

  
  

References:

• Henderson, A. T., & Mapp, K. L. (2002). A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement. Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.

• Fan, X., & Chen, M. (2001). Parental Involvement and Students’ Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analysis. Educational Psychology Review, 13(1), 1–22.

• Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Basic Books.

• Armstrong, T. (2009). Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom. ASCD.

• Shonkoff, J. P., & Phillips, D. A. (2000). From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development. National Academies Press.

• Barnett, W. S. (2011). Effectiveness of Early Educational Intervention. Science, 333(6045), 975–978.