Key Points

“The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day,” said chemist and author O.A. Battista.

This simple statement communicates a powerful truth about the welfare of children—that parental involvement makes a world of difference. 

“As a community leader and family life educator, I work with families often,” says Joyce Mayberry, vice president of family for the Georgia Center for Opportunity. “With all of those interactions, you begin to notice consistencies. One that I notice across all demographics is that the youth who have parents involved in their lives are successful in almost every aspect.”

We tend to know this instinctively, but it’s also a connection supported by research. 

Parental involvement is tied to children’s academic success, behavior, and overall well-being

With that being said, it’s necessary to define what “parent involvement” actually means. The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) defines parent involvement as the participation of parents in every facet of children’s education and development, from birth to adulthood, recognizing that parents are the primary influence in children’s lives.  

Studies have shown that parents’ engagement has a significant and holistic impact on children. It improves everything from academic success to behavior and overall well-being. According to the National PTA, when parents are involved, their children are more likely to:

• • Earn higher grades and test scores
  • Have better attendance
  • Be more motivated and engaged in school
  • Have fewer behavioral issues
  • Graduate high school and attend college

The Annie E. Casey Foundation concludes that students “whose parents stay involved in school have better attendance and behavior, get better grades, demonstrate better social skills and adapt better to school.”

In addition, parent involvement has been linked to better communication and relationships between parents and children.

“Youth who have parents involved in their lives are successful in almost every aspect.”
– Joyce Mayberry, GCO Vice President of Family 

“Youth who have parents involved in their lives are successful in almost every aspect.”
– Joyce Mayberry, GCO Vice President of Family 

Fostering better parental involvement in Georgia

There several aspects that contribute to ensuring that our children grow into their best selves. One of the most important factors is giving parents tools and support to understand and nurture their child’s development.

That’s why we at Georgia Center for Opportunity offer a program called Raising Highly Capable Kids (RHCK). RHCK is a 13-week evidence-based parenting program that empowers parents with the confidence, tools, and skills they need to raise healthy, caring, and responsible children.

The program teaches parents the essential building blocks every child needs. These building blocks are based on the 40 Developmental Assets from the Search Institute, which are proven to increase cognitive and emotional development, academic achievemement, social skills, and more. 

RHCK workshops are a resource available to schools, nonprofits, churches, and other organizations focused on helping to build stronger families—and ultimately stronger communities—across Georgia. 

Learn about RHCK workshops in your community

Get information about workshops offered through our Parents First Initiative partnership in Lawrenceville. 

Contact our Family Team at family@foropportunity.org if you are interested in partnering with us to bring RHCK classes to your area.