Schools often call for parent engagement—attending meetings, volunteering, supporting homework, or joining councils. But for some families, this invitation feels less like empowerment and more like pressure. When does “engagement” become an expectation that not every parent can meet?
The Tensions
Time and work schedules: Many parents simply don’t have flexible hours to attend school events.
Socioeconomic divides: Families with fewer resources can feel judged for “not doing enough.”
Cultural expectations: Some education systems assume a model of parental involvement that doesn’t align with every background.
Blurred boundaries: Parents may feel pressured to act as co-teachers, even without training or support.
Why This Matters
Parental involvement does boost student success—but only when it’s supportive, not burdensome. Overreliance on parents to fill systemic gaps (like underfunded programs or teacher shortages) risks turning “engagement” into unpaid labour.
Questions for Discussion
How can schools invite parents into the learning journey without making it feel mandatory?
Are there better ways to value different kinds of engagement—storytelling, cultural sharing, mentorship—beyond the traditional model?
Where is the line between healthy collaboration and unhealthy pressure?
Should the education system rethink what parent engagement actually means in today’s context?
Parent Engagement or Pressure?
The Fine Line Between Support and Stress
Schools often call for parent engagement—attending meetings, volunteering, supporting homework, or joining councils. But for some families, this invitation feels less like empowerment and more like pressure. When does “engagement” become an expectation that not every parent can meet?
The Tensions
Why This Matters
Parental involvement does boost student success—but only when it’s supportive, not burdensome. Overreliance on parents to fill systemic gaps (like underfunded programs or teacher shortages) risks turning “engagement” into unpaid labour.
Questions for Discussion