Most Effective Types of Parent Involvement

Search Institute recently released results of a parental involvement study entitled, "Don't Forget the Families". They surveyed 1,085 families of children 3-13 years old from a variety of households. In this document they make a case for strengthening family relationships as a strategy for helping children succeed academically and in life. They show an association between families who provide developmental relationships with their children to their children's academic and life success.

Search Institute shares the areas in which to focus to create close connections with young people to help them develop the character strengths needed for success in life.

1. Express care: Show that you like me and want the best for me
2. Challenge growth: Insist that I try to continually improve
3. Provide support: Help me complete tasks and achieve goals
4. Share power: Hear my voice and let me share in making decisions
5. Expand possibilities: Expand my horizons and connect me to opportunities

The report showed that families from all backgrounds showed support across race, ethnicity, education, household income, immigration status, sexual orientation, and community size.

However, supports were given less to older children and boys, by parenting adults who were stepparents and by families that were struggling financially. 

Take a look at Search Institute's summary to see descriptions of each of the five supportive behaviors: express care, challenge growth, provide support, share power, expand possibilities.

And to get ideas on what types of activities to do to support each area, check out their Bringing Developmental Relationships Home: Tips & Relationship Builders for Families.

Our agency is well acquainted with Dr. Gerald Newmark's "Five Critical Emotional Needs" and feel it pairs nicely with Search Institute's findings and suggestions for strengthening relationship. Take a look at a few of our posts on Raising Emotionally Healthy Children.