Attorney Michael de Broglio on: South Africa, Law, Politics, Attorneys, Sport, Photography, Technology, Gadgets, Media, Crime, Road Accidents Fund,
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I enjoyed an article by Thomas Friedman recently on being a better parent. Essentially what he says is that while good teachers make a difference, nothing is as important as good parents. Children, whose parents read them a book a day or every second day, do far better at school than children whose parents read to them infrequently.
Research shows that, regardless of how well educated the parent is, just in expressing interest and following what is going on at school with their school work, they can ensure that their children do better. They also found that children benefited more from having their parents assist them with homework, than having their parents attend a parent/teachers meeting, attend school board meetings, volunteer in classrooms, participate in fundraising or even show up at school events at night.
In other words, nothing works better than spending time with your own child at home with their homework and reading them a book every day or every second day. Everything else is an extra, it is nice if you can do it, and it will not make any difference in the long run to how they do in school, college and in life.
Posted by Michael de Broglio on Friday 02-Dec-11
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Comments
Lucretia said:
on Monday 12-Dec-11 09:34 AM
I have to agree with this article. We encouraged Storm to read from a very early age and also read to her a lot. Storm is a high achiever, was throughout her schooling and still is in varsity. Reading caused her imagination to flourish and this has stood her in good stead throughout her growing up life.
Lizanne said:
on Wednesday 07-Dec-11 08:32 AM
I also do not have kids yet but it is very very important to spend quality time with your kids helping them with homework letting them do sports to keep them active and making sure they do not sit in front of the TV the whole day.
Julie said:
on Tuesday 06-Dec-11 01:05 PM
Should I comment??? I am experiencing problems on a first-hand basis with a 12 and 13-year old who were NEVER taught to read and worse, the parents never read to them - did nothing to stimulate them. The 13-year-old failed grade 1 (yeah, it's possible!) and this year again. He is now a year BEHIND his younger sister. It is SCARY guys! To hear a 13-year old boy trying to read simple words like "that" or "what" - hard to fathom. The spelling is SO corrupt that the actual word he is trying to formulate is unrecognizable - I can't even make out what it is that he is trying to write. You form and shape your child before he/she 6-years old. I now have to perform a miracle - a Grade 7 pupil with a Grade 4's capabilities - in English, Afrikaans and maths. The three main subjects. Guess what they will be getting as X-mas presents :) - I will physically ATTACK bad parents and hurt them and..and.. May I swear?
Yolandi said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 04:43 PM
A good teacher can make a big, big difference in a learners achievements but parents involvement such as monitoring homework, making sure their children attends school, enough love and affection, etc definitely affects student achievements just as much.
Nicky said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 04:26 PM
It's very important for parents to spend time reading with their children-not only for the educational purposes, but also to have that "special time".Parents sometimes think that their children are too young to learn how to read and make it the school, creche or teacher's responsibility.I don't really think that when reading to/with babies it should be about teaching your child to read, but making reading and story-time fun and exciting, so that children grow up having a love for books and reading, instead of having a generation of non-readers.
When I read to my daughter I try to make it fun for her as well, by including her in the story and allowing her to tell me what she thinks is happenning on the relevant page/book.
Having said that, I think that parents should not put too much pressure on their children by tring to create geniuses-learning ,for children,should be fun and not stressful.
Bernadette said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 04:05 PM
Regardless of age, kids can get involved in coming up with solutions to problems when they occur. Because growing our kids to adulthood is a gradual process of their learning and our letting go, we need to provide as many opportunities as possible for them to be thinking people while they have us as in-house coaches.
Corné Romer said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 03:49 PM
Our kids really do learn from what we do, not from what we say. If you want them to have a strong self-esteem, be sure that yours is strong. If you want them to be loving, kind people, you be a loving, kind person. If you want them to take responsibility for their actions, be responsible in your own life. And off course, spend as much time with your children as possible.
Lorette said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 03:47 PM
I also don't have kids but I feel that you need to take good care of yourself! Most parents are tired, stressed overwhelmed and overworked.
It sure is hard under these circumstances to respond as the caring, loving parent you really are. I agree with Dune that not everyone is fortunate enough to still have their parents support after leaving school.
Dune said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 02:59 PM
Throughout primary school, highschool and even now in university, my parents always helped me where they could, whether it was emotionally or even physically, it always felt great having them as a pillar in my life. Im shure being a great parent doesnt stop when a child leaves school. And I definitely agree, buying kids a playstation and computer games at a youing age, is wrong on so many levels. Instead of buying these things rather spend time with them outside, its healthier and personally when I was a child I enjoyed it, thats the memories you remember, not a blackberry or a playstation, but the time you spent with your parents.
Cherise said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 02:22 PM
This is so true, I remenber during my school years. My mom was not the most activate parent with school fundraisers or fun days because of her demanding job.
However,I did have and still have -all the support I need education wise from her and in lifes. This has made me the self desciplined person i am today.
Brenda said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 02:20 PM
I strongly agree. Time spent with your children will make a huge impact their lives. There is nothing more frustrating that those parents who are too "busy" to spend time with their children. At the end of the day it affects the child's self image and self worth.
A great parent will ensure that unconditional love and attention is given to their child and just that in itself will boost the child to exceed far beyond a parent's wildest imagination.
A parent should always be 100% active in their children's lives to ensure that their children grow up knowing their place.
Thabitha said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 02:15 PM
I totally agree with you there is nothing important than spending time with children.
I wish all busy parents they can read this, it will make a difference in children's future.
Alexis said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 02:04 PM
I honestly will do as much with my child as possible and even though he is only 5 months, I read to him all the time. It is not because of making sure that he turns out smarter or better, but because it is good for him to experience absolutely everything and I want him to become whatever he wants to be one day,
Genevieve said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 02:02 PM
I agree. And parents also need to stop spoiling their children with Playstation, WII, etc at a young age because they no longer go outside, instead they are stuck inside with no other stimulation.
Candice said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 02:02 PM
I believe that everything begins at home. If parents take initiative in their lives if it be with education, values and morals. Your children will live their lives in resepect their of. As from personal experience if they are put in a routine and programmed correctly you will only get the best of best results.
kaylene said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 01:38 PM
This honestly does make a difference, other than just buying guns and dolls for the kids buy them some books and puzzles. They do need mind stimulation, I have done this and am busy reaping my rewards. There is a huge difference between a child that has books from a small age, and a child that never had.
My opinion is that most parents still use baby language with their children till late in the child's years, I prefer to use the correct words with the child as this also strengthens their vocabulary.
Nicolle said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 01:24 PM
I truely hope that parents use this process for their children to grow and flourish socially, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and morally.
It will make for a brighter future!
Robyn said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 01:00 PM
Parents who are involved in all sorts of committees in their child's school are too busy trying to impress than spend time with their kids. I'm not saying that's everyone's goal (to impress) but is sure is the goal of most of those parents.
Ting said:
on Monday 05-Dec-11 12:52 PM
You are right. I don't have any children of my own yet but I hope this encourages parents out there.
Mila said:
on Friday 02-Dec-11 12:51 PM
Japanese psychologist found that the 70% of the brain develops in the first 3 years of a child’s life and the remaining 30% we develop over the rest of our life.
It is vital to do as much as possible with your child: physical exercises, brain gym, reading, music and of course math.
My son shows great interest in math, numbers and logic games. His level of concentration progressed dramatically after we started doing extra murals. We also started learning economics an basic needs and he is sure that sweets fall under basic needs
Johannesburg based attorney specializing in personal injury matters including Road Accident Fund claims and medical negligence matters. My interests include golf, reading and the internet and the way it is constantly developing. I have a passion for life and a desire for less stress!
