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As the cliche goes, “it takes a village to raise a child.” But in today’s interconnected and rapidly changing world, it might take the whole world to raise a generation. As education shifts from traditional classrooms to more flexible, technology-driven, and community-based frameworks, the involvement of families and nurturing communities has become absolutely essential. Home is every child’s first classroom, and family support forms the foundation where learning truly begins. But elevating to a higher level and widening its reach, we do so by bridging generations, encouraging lifelong curiosity, and overcoming challenges as a collective community.

Learning Begins at Home

Many researchers acknowledge the vital role that strong, positive connections between homes and schools have in supporting children’s development and education. Parental involvement in a child’s education starts at home. Parents help by creating a safe and healthy environment, providing good learning opportunities, offering support, and maintaining a positive attitude toward school. Many studies show that students do better in school when their parents are involved.

The paper, “Parental Involvement as an Important Factor for Successful Education,” by Durisic and Bunijevac (2017), cited research by Joyce Epstein, a leading expert in family-school partnerships. Epstein’s framework identifies six key factors which support effective parental involvement and improve student success, which are as follows:

Parenting Activities parents undertake to raise healthy, happy children prepared to succeed in school, including information about child development, health, and home support programs.

Communicating: Two-way communication between families and schools through notes, newsletters, conferences, and online platforms to keep parents informed and involved.

Volunteering Parents supporting schools by helping in classrooms, fundraising, or attending school events to contribute to the community.

Learning at Home: Helping parents support their children’s learning through homework assistance and providing information about the curriculum.

Decision Making: Involving parents in school governance and leadership roles to give families a voice in school decisions.

Collaborating with the Community: Linking schools with community services, such as health, cultural, and recreational programs, that benefit students and families.

Practical Tips for Parents for Successful Online Learning

In Bev Betkowski’s (2020) article, “How Parents Can Help Their Kids Succeed at Online Learning,” University of Alberta expert Suzanna Wong highlights that success in online learning depends on teamwork among parents, teachers, and students. Wong outlines four key ways parents can support their children remotely:

Supervise Learning
Especially for younger children, parents should assist with technical tasks like logging in and ensure students stay engaged. Even teens need supervision to manage their time and attend classes consistently.

Set Up a Schedule
A clear, consistent daily routine helps students balance work and breaks. Younger kids benefit from structured schedules with posted reminders, while older students should be involved in planning to increase motivation. Flexibility is important, especially for teens who may learn better with adjusted start times or recorded lessons.

Allow Playful Learning
For younger children, play can be a valuable learning tool to nurture creativity and understanding. For teens, parents can encourage discussions about online reading and critical thinking, such as spotting fake news.

Ask for Help When Needed
If a child struggles with material, parents should reach out to teachers promptly for support rather than relying solely on additional worksheets.

Supporting Kids Means Supporting Their Worlds

Here is a powerful TED Talk, What is the Most Important Influence on Child Development by Tom Weisner (2016), that can reshape how we view children’s growth. Weisner explains that the most significant influence on a child is not a single strategy or educational technique, but the context in which they live, including the family, community, and cultural environment. It serves as a reminder that children never develop in isolation, and their well-being depends on the networks of support around them.
 

Reflection

Education is evolving rapidly, and the role of families and communities in supporting children’s learning has never been more important. Parents who stay involved through clear communication, volunteering, and helping with schoolwork create a strong foundation for success. Especially with online learning, it takes a true team effort between parents, teachers, and students to build routines, stay engaged, and spark curiosity. A child’s development is shaped by their entire environment, including family, community, and culture. When we support the whole network around children, we give them the best chance to thrive.
 

References

Betkowski, B. (2020). How parents can help their kids succeed at online learning. Ualberta.ca. https://www.ualberta.ca/en/folio/2020/09/how-parents-can-help-their-kids-succeed-at-online-learning.html‌

Đurišic, M., & Bunijevac, M. (2017). Parental involvement as an important factor for successful education. Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal, 7(3), 137–153. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1156936.

Weisner, T. (2016). What is the most important influence on child development | Tom Weisner | TEDxUCLA. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIZ8PkLMMUo. 

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