Parents become teachers when their child is born. Scientific evidence shows that the first brain development spurt happens between the age of 2 and 7. It is a critical period as the child’s experiences have a lasting impact on their brain development during this age. Early childhood education is a precursor and determinant of future learning and development. Nearly 80% of brain development occurs before a child begins their formal education journey.
Parents with formal education tend to focus more on education for their children in comparison to uneducated parents. Research also shows that parents who began working at a young age by giving up on their education are more likely to believe higher education does not add value to life. In addition, uneducated parents feel helpless if their child/children are underperforming in school. The Indian government introduced the Right to Education Act 2009 to promote the importance of education, increase the growth enrollment rate and literacy rates across the various states and union territories of India. According to the RTE act 2009, children between the ages of 6 to 14 have the right to free and compulsory education. It enabled families with poor financial conditions to enrol their children in school and ensure a brighter future for them.
Effects of Uneducated Parents on Students
Anxiety
The University of Punjab did a study that showed a correlation between the mother’s educational level and her child’s personality. The study reported that the higher the mother’s educational qualification, the lower the chances of the child suffering from anxiety issues, and they could also communicate better with peers and teachers.
Socioeconomic Effects
Parents who are struggling to put a meal on the table are more likely to encourage/force their children to quit school and start working at a young age. This creates a cycle of poverty as poor educational levels limit the growth opportunities of the child.
Physical Health
Uneducated parents, who also struggle with financial problems, cannot afford medical care for a child, which can create major health problems in the long run.
Poor Performance
Parents’ involvement and encouragement at home play a pivotal role in the child’s performance at school. Higher involvement of parents in their child’s education improves performance, motivation, behaviour and grades. Uneducated parents may not be able to help their children with their educational needs.
Parental Education Is Important
The abundance of research makes it clear that parents with formal education can create a positive impact on their child’s learning abilities by actively engaging and encouraging them. As educated parents are more likely to have economic stability, they can invest more in creating better educational opportunities for their children.
Online education has made it easier than ever to learn at home. Parents who are not satisfied with their educational status can enrol in online courses or correspondence courses to further their education while working full time.
