The First Teachers: Crucial Role of Parents in a Child’s Growth and Education

Long before a child steps into a classroom, learning has already begun-at home, in the arms of their first teachers: their parents. From teaching a child how to speak to shaping how they think, behave, and relate to others, parents play a pivotal role in laying the foundation for not only academic learning but also emotional, moral, and social development.

- ■ MOHAMMAD HANIEF

In a country like India, where education is deeply valued and often equated with success, parents are central figures in guiding and supporting their children's growth. Yet, in today's fast-paced world, filled with competition, digital distractions, and growing mental health concerns, the nature of this role is evolving-and becoming more important than ever.

The first few years of a child’s life are marked by rapid brain development. Research shows that 90% of brain growth occurs before the age of five. During this critical window, children absorb everything from language and behavior to values and emotions-and it is parents who serve as their primary guides.

Simple acts like reading bedtime stories, playing together, speaking regularly, or allowing the child to explore their surroundings can have profound and lasting effects. These activities foster curiosity, imagination, and self-confidence-skills that serve children well as they transition into formal education.

The home is a child's first school, and the parents are their first teachers. The experiences a child has in the early years with their parents significantly influence their ability to learn and interact with the world.

While schools are responsible for formal instruction, it is the support at home that often determines a child's success in education. When parents show an active interest in their child's studies-asking about their day, helping with homework, attending school meetings-it not only boosts academic performance but also improves the child's self-esteem and motivation.

Creating a learning-friendly environment at home, where education is not a burden but a shared experience, makes children feel supported and capable. This doesn't mean parents need to be experts in every subject. Rather, being emotionally available and encouraging helps a child navigate their academic challenges with confidence.