Parents as role models!

Dear parents,

If I tell you: shared responsibility, respect for each other’s roles, collaboration between all involved parties… What do you have in mind?

No, I’m not talking about project management! These are essential aspects of coeducation, which requires the participation of both the school and the family. In the news over the past month, the roles of parents and schools in the education of youth have been discussed on several occasions. In my opinion, both parties have an essential role to play, whether in terms of incivility, sexuality education or children’s autonomy. These are complementary roles that can be carried out in partnership. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child! But parents are still their children’s first educators, and in this capacity, we are role models for our youth.

Role models, for better or for worse! Our youth imitate us, whether we like it or not, especially when it comes to using screens:

“We were surprised to hear the habits of parents [in the eyes of the youth]. We were told, ‘My parents tell me to get off my phone, but when I talk to them, they don’t answer. They’re on their screens. Family dynamics plays a role,” recently reported MNA Amélie Dionne, Chair of the Special Commission on the impact of screens and social networks on youth health and development. (Translated from the original text in French)

Of course, no one is perfect. But having open and honest conversations with our youth can already make a difference.

Even if the impact is not always as direct, involved parents promote the success of all students and inspire other parents to get involved, through their positive posture, their achievements and their actions motivated by the students’ interests.

Parents are often admirable positive role models. Many parents volunteer their time at school, teaching their children the values of generosity, sharing and commitment. I know that many people reading this note are parents whose grown-up children are also involved in social causes, or committed parents who have followed their own parents’ example!

That’s why I’m so proud that the Federation is launching its 2024-2025 Involved Parent Recognition Program this week. Yes, it’s only December, but celebrating our commitment and its benefits should be an ongoing process, sharing our success stories and winning practices, and recognizing the extraordinary parents involved in our communities. Now’s the time to find out about participation options and start thinking about National Parental Involvement Week, to be held from the 1st to the 7th of June 2025!

I hope you’ll be able to take advantage of the upcoming holiday season to recharge your batteries with your family.

Talk to you soon,

Mélanie Laviolette
President