In many contemporary households, economic pressures, long work hours, and increasing social commitments have reshaped parenting patterns. A growing notion suggests that as long as parents provide financially and pay school fees, the responsibility of grooming children rests primarily with schools.
Consequently, some children spend over 12 hours daily in school or daycare environments with minimal parental interaction. While this model may appear practical, research consistently shows that parental involvement is not a mere provision but a decisive factor in children’s academic success, emotional stability, and moral development.
Research Evidence on Parental Involvement and Child Development
Extensive global studies affirm that parental engagement is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s educational achievement. Renowned educational researchers such as John Hattie, Joyce Epstein, and our own Prof. Ato Essuman indicate that parental involvement significantly improves academic outcomes, motivation, and behaviour. Similarly, findings by the OECD show that students whose parents actively monitor homework, communicate with teachers, and discuss school activities consistently perform better in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking.
The UNICEF further reports that parental supervision contributes to improved emotional regulation, reduced risky behaviour, and stronger social competence. Children who experience regular parental interaction develop higher self-esteem and better coping mechanisms, which are essential for holistic wellbeing.
Comparative Outcomes: Present vs. Near-Absent Parenting
Research across Europe, Asia, and Africa reveals a clear developmental gap between children with involved parents and those with limited parental supervision. Children with Active Parental Supervision:
- Higher academic achievement and school attendance
- Stronger discipline and moral reasoning
- Lower rates of delinquency and substance abuse
- Better emotional resilience and mental health
- Stronger parent-child attachment and communication
Children with Minimal Parental Presence:
- Increased behavioural challenges and indiscipline
- Higher susceptibility to peer pressure and deviant conduct
- Emotional detachment and anxiety
- Poor academic consistency despite school attendance
- Greater reliance on external validation and social media influence
A longitudinal study by the Harvard University Centre on the Developing Child emphasises that responsive parenting and consistent adult engagement are foundational to cognitive and socio-emotional growth. Children deprived of meaningful parental interaction may experience developmental delays even when enrolled in high-quality schools.
The School Cannot Replace the Parent.
Schools are structured for instruction, not total upbringing. Teachers manage large classrooms and cannot provide the individualised moral, emotional, and behavioural guidance that parents offer. When children are dropped off very early and picked up late, the educational institution becomes a holding space rather than a complementary partner in upbringing. Evidence from global education systems shows that the most successful learners emerge from homes where education is reinforced through conversation, supervision, and values formation.
Holistic Wellbeing: Beyond Academics
Parental involvement shapes not only academic excellence but also character formation. Studies from child psychology bodies highlight that children who engage in daily discussions with parents exhibit higher empathy, discipline, and ethical awareness. In contrast, prolonged emotional absence can lead to attention-seeking behaviour, aggression, and weakened moral judgment. From a public policy perspective, countries with strong parental engagement cultures, such as Finland, Japan, and Canada, consistently record higher educational outcomes and lower youth delinquency rates. The common denominator is not just quality schooling but structured parental supervision and involvement in children’s daily lives.
The Role of Religious Bodies and Moral Institutions
Religious and community institutions play a strategic role in reinforcing parental responsibility. While spiritual teachings on salvation and prosperity are important, there is a growing need for faith-based organisations to intensify guidance on parenting, moral instruction, and restorative family interventions. Churches, mosques, and community fellowships can:
- Organise parenting education programs.
- Promote family bonding and mentorship initiatives
- Provide counselling for struggling parents and children
- Reinforce discipline, empathy, and ethical values
Moral formation is most effective when religious teachings align with practical family engagement rather than replace it.
Conclusion
Financial provision is essential, but it cannot substitute for parental presence. Global research consistently demonstrates that children thrive academically, emotionally, and morally when parents are actively involved in their upbringing.
Schools can educate, but parents cultivate character, discipline, and identity. In an era of demanding work schedules and social commitments, intentional parental supervision must be treated not as an optional duty but as a developmental necessity. Religious bodies, educational institutions, and policymakers must therefore collaborate to promote value-based parenting, strengthen family engagement, and implement restorative interventions that nurture responsible, well-rounded children for society’s future.
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