From the moment each one of us sets foot into this world, we undoubtedly require education to not only survive but also thrive. Education is the bedrock from which we enhance the quality of life, both as individual and socially. Education is first and fundamentally imparted at the family level. Everything a child learns in their formative years is predominantly from those around them, family, i.e., Some educators have even gone ahead to argue that it is the most integral education we acquire in our lifetime. It not only shapes who we grow up to become but also the roles we play in society.
In that light, the family unit plays a crucial role in education. If you consider education is a lifelong process, the latter may come off as a quite bold statement. Nevertheless, research and studies are continually demonstrating both the significance and relevance of family in education.
What Roles Does Family Play in Education?
The first thing that comes to mind as far as family and education are concerned is intelligence. This is part of a still-ongoing debate on whether intelligence is a product of nature or nurture. While this article does not seek to take this particular tangent, I reckon intelligence is a product of both, in the sense that it is a tool that further requires appropriate and effective use.
This article looks to specifically begin with the internal effects that family has on education. The family unit plays a significant role in the crucial years of personality development in childhood. It is also common knowledge that who we are as learners is partially based on who we are as people. In short, our traits and habits are critical players in the kind of learner someone is.
For instance, a child raised in an environment that radiates positive attitudes is unlikely to be problematic with the concept of school. The contrary is also true. Children brought up in unfavorable environments are likely to have problems with and in school. The former group has also set a foundation for sustainable success in school.
A recent paper on family education from a top-tier essay writing service highlighted the impact of the family on a child’s education. This includes the common mistakes that are made within the system as well as remedial measures. These common mistakes include:
- Parents do not equate their children to their own characters. Most parents will naturally instill their personal traits into their children as opposed to letting them express themselves as individuals. In the future, this exacerbates personality problems in the child, which may hinder their learning.
- Most parents also tend to be too cautious of their children in the outside world. While these concerns are genuine, the world can potentially affect a child’s development adversely; there is more to gain than lose. Social development is equally an indicator of the potential for success in education.
- Some parents are also imposing their own dreams on their own children. Whereby a parent may have been unable to fulfill their own goals; consequently, they look to accomplish their past ambitions through their offspring instead of nurturing their own individual interests.
- It is equally a common mistake when a child is brought up in an indifferent environment. Affection, as well as authority figures, are similarly crucial for the educational development of a child. This also includes support in co-curricular activities.
- Other parents have also routinely compared their children to their peers. Such comparisons, which are usually unfounded, are likely to affect a child, especially their confidence and esteem negatively.
- Just as a huge mistake, some family members are not reflective of the challenges and failures that may arise.
These common mistakes seem to share one thing in common. It would seem that most of the mistakes emanate from parents or present family members. It, then, shows that success is determined by the collective efforts of the constant figures. Hence, the relevant stakeholders must take full responsibility. This includes, but not limited to:
- Creating a favorable environment for the child to develop both socially and emotionally. It not only helps them to adapt to their current realities but also avoids the possibility of psychosocial development fixation.
- A child should further be allowed to express themselves fully as an individual, with their own personalities and interests.
- Just as important, a child should ideally grow up in a peaceful, loving, and supportive environment.
Family, undoubtedly, is the foundation of a good education.
