Recently, a common opinion regarding the influence of parents on children's attitude towards education is: "The parent is the one who most kills a child's enthusiasm for school." Sometimes, high expectations, constant control, and pressure related to lessons can alienate a child from learning instead of increasing their interest in it.
So, how does parents' approach affect a child's enthusiasm for school? What is the role of the family in a child losing interest in education, and how should parents behave to maintain, or even increase, this interest?
Speaking to AzEdu.az on the topic, Alihuseyn Yaqubov, Azerbaijani language and literature teacher, director, and "Young Teacher of the Year" at Karabakh village full secondary school in Fuzuli district, noted that a parent can damage a child's interest in education, and this is a reality:
The answer to the question "Does the parent kill a child's enthusiasm for school the most?" is not unequivocal. However, in most cases, this opinion can be agreed with. Because sometimes parents dedicate so much time to their own work that their children's fate and education fall into the background, and they do not pay enough attention to their studies. We witness such cases from time to time.
In fact, the role of parents in a child's education is very significant. I would even say that there is a concept in the world called the "education triangle": parent, student, and teacher. In this triangle, perhaps the most important figure is the parent.
Based on my 16 years of pedagogical experience, I can say that the teacher, of course, is very important. When a teacher's knowledge and skills are not sufficient, it becomes difficult to teach something to a student and help them learn. However, my observations show that greater success can be achieved with children whose parents show more interest, support, and encouragement.
Therefore, it is a truth that a parent can damage a child's interest in education. For example, sometimes we encounter parents who do not want to send their child to school. The family's approach is of particular importance in this matter. Fathers, usually being at work, return home mostly in the second half of the day. Thus, the mother's participation in the daily educational process of the child may be greater. A mother's interest in her child's education, her giving importance to this area, and her broad worldview positively affect the child's development.
It is a proven truth that an educated, broad-minded mother raises more knowledgeable and skilled children:
"In particular, the interest of women in education around us seriously affects the school's activities. For example, the mothers of students who stand out more in school usually show more interest in education or work in the school themselves. That is, it is a proven truth that an educated, broad-minded mother raises more knowledgeable and skilled children.
In this regard, can a parent reduce their child's enthusiasm for school? Yes, they can. Therefore, parents should seriously consider this issue. It is also necessary to move away from Soviet thinking to some extent. Sometimes parents place all responsibility on the school. However, a student is at school for only 4-5 hours, and in higher grades, at best, 6 hours. They spend the rest of the day at home, with their parents. Therefore, homework and other educational matters should also be approached seriously at home. Of course, some students in higher grades, who are already capable of independent thinking and learning, need less parental support.
When a parent does not create a suitable environment for a child's education, the student may struggle, lose interest and motivation for school. Sometimes the financial situation of the family also plays a role in this matter. For example, children need additional study materials, tests, and they use various online platforms. The provision of these depends to some extent on parental support.
For example, we organize various trips at our school to increase students' worldview. However, sometimes parents are indifferent to these initiatives. Yet, these trips are organized on a voluntary basis and require minimal financial resources. Parental support is also important in covering these expenses."
