Long before a child steps into a classroom, learning has already begun—at home, in the arms of their first teachers: their parents. From teaching a child how to speak to shaping how they think, behave, and relate to others, parents play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for not only academic learning but also emotional, moral, and social development.
In a country like India, where education is deeply valued and often equated with success, parents are central figures in guiding and supporting their children’s growth. Yet, in today’s fast-paced world, filled with competition, digital distractions, and growing mental health concerns, the nature of this role is evolving—and becoming more important than ever.
The first few years of a child’s life are marked by rapid brain development. Research shows that 90% of brain growth occurs before the age of five. During this critical window, children absorb everything from language and behavior to values and emotions—and it is parents who serve as their primary guides.
Simple acts like reading bedtime stories, playing together, speaking regularly, or allowing the child to explore their surroundings can have profound and lasting effects. These activities foster curiosity, imagination, and self-confidence—skills that serve children well as they transition into formal education.
The home is a child’s first school, and the parents are their first teachers. The experiences a child has in the early years with their parents significantly influence their ability to learn and interact with the world.
While schools are responsible for formal instruction, it is the support at home that often determines a child’s success in education. When parents show an active interest in their child’s studies—asking about their day, helping with homework, attending school meetings—it not only boosts academic performance but also improves the child’s self-esteem and motivation.
Creating a learning-friendly environment at home, where education is not a burden but a shared experience, makes children feel supported and capable. This doesn’t mean parents need to be experts in every subject. Rather, being emotionally available and encouraging helps a child navigate their academic challenges with confidence.
Beyond academics, the most valuable lessons children learn at home are those that shape their character—honesty, empathy, patience, resilience, and respect. These qualities are not taught through lectures but through consistent modeling by parents. Children observe and imitate how their parents deal with conflict, express emotions, and treat others. A home filled with love, respect, and understanding nurtures emotionally strong and socially responsible individuals. Open communication is also key. When parents create a safe space for children to express fears, ask questions, and admit mistakes, it strengthens emotional security and trust—both essential for healthy growth.
It is common for academic achievement to be seen as the primary route to a successful future. While ambition and goal-setting are important, overemphasis on grades can lead to stress, burnout, and mental health issues—particularly when children feel pressured to meet unrealistic expectations. A report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in 2022 showed a worrying number of student suicides, with academic pressure being one of the major contributing factors. Such tragedies highlight the urgent need for parents to adopt a more balanced approach—one that celebrates effort over outcomes and recognizes diverse talents.
Rehana Ahanger, a mother of two kids from Srinagar, shares her experience: “My elder son struggled with math and science, and I used to push him hard thinking it would help. Eventually, I realized he was more inclined toward art and design. When I stepped back and supported his passion, he became more confident—and happier.” Parents must acknowledge that each child is unique, with different interests and abilities. The goal should be to help children discover their strengths, not force them to live out someone else’s dreams.
One of the most empowering contributions parents can make is to nurture a growth mindset—the belief that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. When parents praise a child for trying hard rather than being “smart,” when they encourage them to keep going after setbacks instead of protecting them from failure, they cultivate resilience and self-belief. These qualities are far more crucial in the long run than any exam score. Today’s parents face challenges their own parents never imagined—from managing screen time and social media to ensuring online safety and maintaining a healthy balance between technology and human interaction.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning, and while technology has created greater access to education, it has also widened the digital divide and brought new distractions.
Parents must now guide their children in using digital tools responsibly. This includes setting limits on screen time, supervising content, encouraging digital literacy, and promoting real-world interactions and outdoor play.
Equally important is the parents’ own relationship with technology. Children are more likely to adopt healthy tech habits if they see their parents modeling them.
Education works best when schools and families collaborate. Teachers provide insight into a child’s academic progress, while parents offer context about their behavior, challenges, and experiences at home. When both sides communicate openly and respectfully, the child benefits immensely.
Many progressive schools are now involving parents more actively—through workshops, regular feedback sessions, and family engagement activities. But the onus isn’t just on schools. Parents must make an effort to attend meetings, stay informed, and treat teachers as partners, not service providers.
Not all parents have equal resources or knowledge to guide their children—especially in rural or low-income communities. Literacy levels, work schedules, and socio-economic barriers can limit parental involvement.
This is where community efforts, government policies, and NGOs play a critical role. Programs that educate parents on child development, offer parenting support, and provide access to resources are essential for creating equity in education.
Various organizations have shown that when parents are empowered—even with basic tools—they become strong allies in their children’s learning journey. The growth and education of a child cannot be outsourced entirely to schools. It is a shared responsibility—and parents are at the heart of it. Their influence is constant, lasting, and foundational.
In India, where education is a vehicle for transformation, recognizing and nurturing the role of parents is essential to creating well-rounded, thoughtful, and capable citizens. Whether it is by encouraging curiosity, offering emotional support, setting boundaries, or simply being present—parents hold the key to unlocking a child’s full potential.
In the words of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, “If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.” And for every child to shine, there must be the quiet, steady glow of support, love, and guidance—starting at home.
—The author can be mailed at [email protected]
X/Twitter: @haniefmha
