Essential Elements of Strong Parental Involvement

            Parental Involvement is very important.   I truly believe when a parent is involved in every aspect of the child’s life, it shows the child or children that his or her parents really care.  It makes them want to participate in more activities.  It also builds a stronger relationship.  The only problem that may occur is when the parent tries to force the child to participate in activities.  This can start confusion amongst parent and child. 

            When I was in school, I participated in a lot of sports.  It made me feel good when my mother came to my functions.  I tried so much harder; I actually tried to show out.  To see the look on my mother face made every moment worthwhile.  It made me feel proud and I knew it made her proud too.  My mom came to every function and every program that I was in.  I can never remember her missing anything.  I use to think if she did not come, things would not be correct.  Things would not flow properly.  Her presence was some type of protection.  I thought no one could hurt me or touch me knowing that she was there. 

            When my mother came to school activities, it built a

stronger relationship.  My mother did most things that I did in

high school, therefore she could give me ideas on how to

improve my skills.  Sometimes her ideas did help but there were

times when I thought her thoughts were dumb and would not

succeed.  When I played basketball, both of my parents were

great mentors.  They both were able to help me; I knew I would

be great.  It really built our relationship. 

           My parents never forced me to do anything.  The only

thing they did make me do is commit.  I had to commit to every

activity I participated in.  My parents always said they did not

raise a quitter.  I had to stick to everything that I joined for an

entire year.  Staying in every activity or function that was joined

for a year made me appreciate it more.  The only thing that I can

remember quitting was cheerleading.  Cheerleading was the first

thing I participated in and the first and last thing I quit. 

            Some children are not as fortunate as I am, to have

parents that are supportive.  Some children have parents who

force them to join activities because their parents did it, or even

because it was a family tradition.  I believe when you force them,

they do not really want to do it.  They will not give it their all. 

They will only do enough to get by.  Therefore, I believe a

parent should not force a child to do anything, because he or she

did it when he or she was a child. 

            In conclusion, a child will do his or her best, when the

parent are there supporting them.  They will give their all, but

when the parent is forcing the child, he or she will only put

enough effort to get by.  Therefore a parent should always be

supportive never forcing.