It is difficult to be a parent in our busy society.  With all of the demands of work, family and financial obligations, finding time to take part in school related activities may seem overwhelming.  However, regardless of the amount of available time you have on your calendar, there are numerous ways to remain an involved parent throughout your child's academic life.
     Remember when your child first entered school.  You were excited, and you made sure to visit the classroom often, you tried to attend all of the school functions and you listened patiently as he or she related the day's activities.  As the years went by, however, you may have found it more difficult to be involved in your child's experiences in school.  Perhaps it is because your child has seemed embarrassed to have you come to the school.  (This is common!  Many young people react this way to parents who want to be involved.)  Perhaps it is because you don't feel welcome at the school.  (Hopefully, this is not the case, but if it is, address your concerns with your child's teachers.  They will, most likely, welcome your desire to take part and will help you find a way to be involved in the school.)  Whatever your reasons are for being less involved than you were years ago, now is the time to jump back into the role of an involved parent.
     Why is it important for you to be involved at the secondary school level?  There are many reasons.  First, your child is going through many hormonal and emotional changes in his or her adolescent years.  Although many young people don't admit it, having a parent around gives them a sense of security they need desperately at this critical time of their young lives.  Also, research has shown that young people who have parents that remain involved throughout their secondary school years are more likely to complete college.  (If you wish to read this research, please click on this link: Parent Involvement at the Secondary School Level .) So, if you are ready to seek ways to be more involved, read the list below, and decide what action is best for you.

1.  Volunteer to be a chaperone on a school trip.  This is an opportunity for
      you to take part in an experience your child will have outside of the
      school environment.

2.  Volunteer to work in your child's school as a tutor.  There are many
      children who don't have a parent who is able to help with their
      work.  While you may not be working directly with your child, you
      will have a chance to see some of the activities taking place in the
      school and your child will know you are taking an interest in the school.

3.   Attend school functions, such as student plays, musicals, band recitals,
      poetry readings, dances, or sporting events.

4.  Attend parent/teacher conferences.  While these are generally
     scheduled a couple of times each year, don't hesitate to set an
     appointment at another time if you are concerned about your child's
     work or have reason to believe that something is wrong.

5.  Take part in school committees.  Most schools have personnel available
     at the school to give parents guidance on ways they can be involved.
     Call your school and ask what committees need parents to join.

6.  Take your child to the library or bookstore on a regular basis.
      Encourage him or her to read books which are not assigned at school,
      but are to be read for the sheer pleasure of reading.  When possible,
      read the same book as your child and discuss it with him or her.  Also,
      try to schedule a family reading time in your home when everyone in the
      house picks up a book and reads for at least half an hour.

7.  Set up a homework schedule for your child and help him or her to
     adhere to it.  Be available during this time to help with questions your
     child may have.  If you cannot be available, make arrangements with
     your child so that you can be sure that the homework has been done.
     For example, if you work nights, and won't be home until your child
     is in bed, have him or her leave the completed homework on the kitchen
     table for you to read.

8.  Maintain contact with your teen's teachers.  Whether you write notes,
     make phone calls, send e-mail messages, or visit the school, be aware
     of what is happening in each classroom, and be aware of how your
     teen is doing in each classroom.

9.  Offer encouragement and hugs!  Your teenager is going through a
     difficult time in his or her life.  Knowing that there is an adult at home
     who cares makes a big difference!  Everyone needs to know when he
     or she has done well.  We all also need to know that there is someone
     there who cares when something goes wrong.

     There are many other ways you can get involved!  Try to be creative and consider your teenager's unique personality and needs.  Contact the teachers or administrators at the school for more suggestions.