We know from research (Professor Charles Desforges) that parents are the major influence on a child’s life. Parenting in the home has a far more significant impact on children’s achievement than parents’ social class or level of education.

Parents have a significant impact on their children from primary school age right through to secondary school years particularly on achievement, aspirations and adjustment. The effect is greater than that of the school itself.

Aspects of parenting also appear to be a reliable predictor of childhood obesity, offending and anti-social behaviour, smoking, drug and alcohol misuse and teenage pregnancy.

Existing evidence also demonstrates that a child that has not had the benefit of a positive, caring relationship with their parents is likely to have low self-esteem and be vulnerable to mental health problems. This can seriously impair their ability to achieve, enjoy and learn. For more findings…