Press release
Parenting does make the difference. There is no question about it! The research is clear and conclusive. Recent studies show that active parent involvement impacts and carries over to every part of life. That’s right, parents. You are the unsung heroes! You are making the difference!
The Franklin Mayor’s Drug Task Force knows that parenting is one of the hardest jobs there is, and we recognize that parents need resources and ways to connect and share with other parents. That is why we are helping to promote two free parenting series.
The first free series, entitled 1-2-3 Magic: Effective Parenting & Discipline for Children 2-12, begins on Wednesday, October 17 and meets every Wednesday for six weeks from 5:30 to 7 PM at Paul Smith Elementary School in Franklin. On-site childcare will be provided as part of this series. For more information, contact Janine Davis at 934-4144.
The second free series is entitled Surviving Your Adolescents: Ways to Manage and Let Go of Your Adolescent/Teenager. This series is specifically for parents of children ages 13 to 18 and is being sponsored by the Franklin Parent Advisory Committee and the Franklin Mayor’s Drug Task Force. This series begins on Tuesday, November 13 and meets every Tuesday for six weeks from 6 to 7:30 PM at Franklin Regional Hospital. For more information, contact Traci Fowler at 998-5337.
Parenting Makes The Difference
The National Assessment of Educational Progress 2002 reports these benefits of active parent involvement:
- For the community: reduced crime and safer streets; reduction in substance abuse; reduction in violent and deviant episodes; reduced middle school sexual activity; and a reduction in negative peer influence.
- For the school: higher academic achievement; better social skill development; improved school attendance; and lower dropout rates.
- For the family: better overall communication; fewer behavioral issues; and an increase in positive attitudes – a major predictor of respectful and responsible citizens.
“When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.” That’s the conclusion of a recent report from the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. The report, a synthesis of research on parent involvement over the past decade, goes on to find that, regardless of family income or background, students with involved parents are more likely to:
- Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs
- Be promoted, pass their classes, and earn credits
- Attend school regularly
- Have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school
- Graduate and go on to postsecondary education