Parental education has long been recognized as a significant predictor of child school achievement. But did you know that the benefits extend beyond mere intelligence? Recent research, published in the European Journal of Public Health, titled "Double advantage of parental education for child educational achievement: the role of parenting and child intelligence," sheds light on how parenting practices also play a crucial role. Let's delve into how you, as an online therapy practitioner, can implement these findings to enhance your skills and support your clients better.
The Study: Key Findings
The study conducted by Tamayo Martinez et al. (2022) analyzed data from a large, multi-ethnic cohort of children in the Netherlands. The researchers found that higher parental education is associated with better school achievement through two independent mechanisms:
- Higher child intelligence
- Beneficial parenting practices
Intelligence: The First Mechanism
Child intelligence was found to mediate 42% of the association between parental education and child school achievement. This means that more educated parents tend to have children with higher intelligence, which in turn leads to better academic performance. Intelligence, however, is not solely inherited; the family environment plays a significant role. As an online therapy practitioner, consider how you can support parents in creating a stimulating environment that fosters intellectual growth.
Parenting Practices: The Second Mechanism
The study also found that family routines, such as regular mealtimes and bedtimes, mediated 3% of the association between parental education and child school achievement. While this might seem small, it's crucial to understand that routines provide stability and predictability, which are essential for a child's emotional and cognitive development. Here are some actionable tips for practitioners:
- Encourage parents to establish regular family routines.
- Promote activities that involve the whole family, such as shared meals or game nights.
- Advocate for consistent homework times and bedtime schedules.
Implications for Online Therapy
As an online therapy practitioner, you can leverage these findings to enhance your practice in several ways:
- Parental Guidance: Educate parents about the importance of their educational background and parenting practices on their child's academic success.
- Routine Implementation: Help families develop and maintain regular routines that foster a supportive environment for their children.
- Intellectual Stimulation: Provide resources and activities that parents can use to intellectually stimulate their children.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it's essential to encourage further research to explore other mediating factors and mechanisms. Understanding the nuances of how parental education impacts child achievement can lead to more targeted and effective interventions.To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
Double advantage of parental education for child educational achievement: the role of parenting and child intelligence.
