Parents Urged to Stay Connected with their Children

Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), André Miller, is encouraging parents to stay connected with their children.

This, he said, will really ensure positive outcomes and optimal performance from the youngsters.

Mr. Miller, who was speaking to JIS News in a recent interview, noted that studies have shown that effectively planned and well-implemented parental involvement is more likely to result in substantial benefits to the children, parents, educators and even the wider community.

“Children tend to have a more positive attitude towards school and learning and this contributes to improved behaviour,” he said.

Mr. Miller added that the involvement of parents and guardians also contributes to children being motivated to achieving their goals.

With three weeks remaining before the start of the new school year, Mr. Miller is urging parents and guardians to begin re-establishing bedtime hours.

“This will prepare a child’s mind and body to get to bed early in order to wake up at a specified time. This promotes an element of effective parenting related to creating appropriate structures within the life of a child, and to limit some activities, such as playtime, television time and game time,” he said.

Mr. Miller said if the child will be attending a new school in September, “be sure to visit the school with your child at least one week in advance”.

“This will allow your child to get familiar with classrooms and other important offices, such as the sickbay, guidance counsellor and the principal’s office. It will also allow the child to be familiar with the school grounds and provide a sense of comfort when he or she attends school on the first day,” he pointed out.

Mr. Miller is also urging parents and guardians with children who are beneficiaries of grants or some kind of welfare assistance, such as PATH, to ensure that all the relevant documents are submitted to the schools on time, so the children can access the benefits.

The NPSC is mandated to transform families through communication, advocacy, research, education and support.