The rewards of involvement

information about what they’re learning, and I keep up with that,” Strusowski says.

When her two older sons get home from school, they know it’s homework time, and that their mom and younger brother (who isn’t in school yet) will be there, too.

“The 4-year-old participates, wanting to know what his big brothers are doing,” Strusowski says. For their part, the older two enjoy teaching their little brother about what they’re learning, which further reinforces their grasp on various subjects.

In addition, Strusowski makes sure to supplement what’s being learned in school. “One of my sons isn’t the greatest in language arts, so I go over and above to take the extra time to go over it with him on his homework,” she says.

7. Realize your involvement will change.

When your child is in preschool, you’re welcomed in to lead story time. But by the time your child is a teen, your involvement will be different, less visible.

And that’s OK. In fact, some educators say the presence of so-called “helicopter parents” – the term used to describe moms and dads who hover over their children – is a growing problem. And it doesn’t necessarily end in high school; angry, disgruntled and concerned parents may even contact college professors.

That’s not to say there aren’t any conditions under which such contact is appropriate (say, if your child has special needs or a health emergency), but helicopter parents need to realize their “help” may not be helping at all.

“One of the important things students learn is self-regulation,” says Jeff Haig, educational consultant and author of “Unlock Your Educational Potential.” “Students need to become independent and develop their own critical thinking skills.”

This can’t happen if parents continue to “jump in and play referee,” Haig says. Instead, make it a habit to ask your child, “What do you think? How could you resolve this problem?” Providing the framework for problem solving as your child grows means you won’t be tempted to email your child’s college math professor following a bad grade on the midterm.

8. Don’t overdo it.

According to the 2000 National PTA report, the most accurate predictors of student achievement aren’t family income or social status, but the extent to which parents encourage learning, communicate high yet reasonable expectations for achievement and become involved in their child’s education at school.

But while it’s important for parents to get involved, balance is also necessary. Don’t put much-needed family downtime in jeopardy by volunteering too often, attending too many school meetings or piling on supplemental homework for your kids. Instead, focus on a couple of suggestions listed here and await the benefits that come from being more engaged with your child, your child’s teachers and your child’s school.