Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

Getting Parents Involved

Why Involve Parents?

Motivating parents to participate in the group can be quite challenging. Like you, parents are busily involved with many things in their lives. They may have inflexible schedules or may forget appointments. Asking other parents to become involved takes courage and persistence. Sometimes it seems like it would be easier to just do everything ourselves. So why bother involving parents? Well, not only will the kids benefit greatly, but the parents and even you as a leader will also benefit. Here are some reasons:

Credit: These photographs are from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

Parents know their children better than anyone else. They can offer insight about their children that only they can provide. If a problem develops with a child in your group, it is very helpful to know the parent well enough to discuss the issue openly with him or her. Children need lots of attention. They can benefit from being involved with the other children’s parents. The more adults that are available for the children, the more likely it is that kids will learn from them or even develop a special relationship with one of them. Having adults who care about a child can go a long way for ensuring healthy and happy children (See Lesson 1 or Search Institute for more information). Involved parents can motivate their children to come to the meetings, help with projects, and stay interested in the group's activities. One of the protective factors that can keep a child from developing problems is a child who has a warm and intimate relationship with his or her parents (See Lesson 1 or Search Institute for more information). What a great way for parents to be able to spend quality time with their children and develop a close, lasting relationship with their kids. Parents themselves benefit. Being involved with other adults creates an extended social network. Many parents feel isolated from the community. Adults who have good support systems are happier and healthier. As you know, youth leaders have plenty to do. Parents can ease the workload. They can offer ideas for activities and projects and can help transport or supervise children on outings, for example.

It really is worth the effort to keep parents involved with your group. Everyone -- the children, the parents, and the leaders -- will benefit.

How To Get Parents Involved
Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

One of the top reasons parents and other adults
say they aren’t involved with the group is because, "nobody asked me."

Leaders may assume that "of course" we would like them to be involved. However, many parents simply don’t think about getting involved. "This is my son or daughter’s group -- what business do I have there?" Some parents may just think that everything is taken care of. If the leader doesn’t specifically ask for help or involvement, parents may not be sure if they should. Unfortunately, some parents may even view youth groups as a free babysitter -- a way to get away from their kids rather than a way to get closer to them.

Other Ways to Ensure Participation
Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

Activity #1
Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

Apply what you've learned to the following scenario and answer the discussion questions.

Mark, a leader for a group of kids, wants to start a big community project where the kids help clean up the garbage along the rivers and streams in the city. He soon finds that he is overwhelmed, so he asks his kids to see if their parents want to get involved. From what the kids tell him, nobody really seems to show much interest in the project.

One parent does call him and asks what she can do to help. He complains to her about the failure of the project, telling her that she was the only one that cares enough about the community and the kids to help. He asks her if she wouldn’t mind picking the kids up for the next meeting. She called him back the next day, and told him that she can’t do it because something came up at work. Mark politely says, "thanks anyway," but then hangs up fuming. "Why doesn't anybody care about this? Don’t these kids mean anything to them?"

Click here to continue with "Working with Other Volunteers."

Click here to return to Lesson 5 start page.

References

Adult Volunteer Leadership Self-Improvement: Supporting the Family

Miller, C. "Nobody Asked Me": Involving Parents in 4-H. North Dakota 4-H Youth Development Program. Fargo, ND.