Building Families

1. Kids whose parents provide both love and

limits develop self-confidence and a better

attitude toward work.

2. Kids learn self-discipline when their parents

use activities to teach appropriate behaviors

and are supportive rather than a focus on

punishment.

3. Kids who describe their parents as treating

them warmly, democratically, and firmly are

more likely to do better in school.

4. Kids are more likely to exhibit a higher

performance in school if their parents provide:

a. Clearly defined expectations and follow through;

b. A warm and nurturing environment;

c. Flexibility toward increasing independence

in their children as they grow;

d. Encouragement to solve problems and

make decisions;

e. Mutual respect;

f. “Demandingness” with warmth.

Teaching appropriate behaviors helps kids learn.

1. Kids change their behavior as they mature

and learn new skills.

2. Kids need opportunities to learn behaviors

that can be the most productive for learning.

3. Kids benefit when the adults around them:

a. Understanding the patterns of their behavior;

b. Provide opportunities for preventing poor

behavior choices;

c. Teach kids new ways to behave;

d. Respond appropriately to behaviors;

e. Work together with kids to change behaviors for the better.

Iowa State University Extension

parents, school staff, and community members for

their educational development achieve at higher

levels in school.

families and communities invite involvement, are

welcoming, and address specific needs of kids and

families within the community.

community cultures that provide parents with

knowledge and skills to help their kids as learners

increase student achievement in the classroom.

to support and help their kids at home, they create

a larger community of support for all kids.

community hold similar child-rearing values,

continually communicate with one another, and

provide kids with consistent guidance and support.

specific knowledge and skills of kids have a greater

effect on achievement than if they provided more

general forms of educational support.

at school.