Opinion | When Schools Teach but Homes Stay Silent Education Succeeds Only When Parents and Teachers Work Together

People often seem to think that schools by themselves are the main drivers for shaping children. So when a child does not perform well in academics, shows some behavioural challenges or seems to be struggling emotionally the first thing that comes up is usually What is the school doing and honestly it feels like that question is asked automatically. Sure schools do matter a lot in a child’s growth but education can never be just the teachers job. The progress of any child really relies on a solid partnership between home and school. The National Education Policy 2020 the National Curriculum Framework 2023 and the Holistic Progress Card guidelines all make it clear that parents are key stakeholders in a child’s learning journey. These big changes also nudge Us to see that education goes way beyond books and classrooms. It is an ongoing journey that starts at home becomes stronger in school and really takes off only when both sides work together with genuine faith and shared ownership.

As Teachers We spend approximately six hours each day with children. During this time We teach academic concepts encourage participation build confidence develop life skills and create a safe environment for learning. Yet after the school bell rings children return home where they spend nearly eighteen hours with their families. Those eighteen hours influence their habits, attitudes, language, discipline, emotional well being and values far more than any lesson taught in a classroom. This simple reality should encourage us to rethink our understanding of education. Teachers can inspire, guide and mentor but parents remain the child’s first and lifelong educators. The values learned at home often become the foundation upon which all school learning rests. The Holistic Progress Card introduced under NEP 2020 has transformed the way we assess children’s growth. It no longer focuses only on marks and examination scores. Instead, it recognises creativity, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, empathy, ethics, physical well being and socio emotional development. Such qualities cannot be nurtured by schools alone. They require continuous support from families where children observe everyday behaviour and learn through experience.

A child who watches parents speak respectfully to elders help neighbours keep promises and show compassion learns lessons that no textbook can fully teach. Similarly children who experience love, encouragement and meaningful conversations at home develop greater confidence and emotional resilience. These qualities eventually reflect in their academic performance as well. Unfortunately modern lifestyles have widened the distance between parents and children. Families spend more time under the same roof but less time talking to one another. Mobile phones, television, social media and busy schedules have replaced meaningful conversations. Parents work tirelessly to provide quality education, better facilities and modern comforts yet many children quietly long for something far more valuable the undivided attention of their parents. Children do not simply need expensive schools or the latest gadgets. They need someone who listens without judgement, appreciates their efforts, guides them through mistakes and celebrates small achievements. Even fifteen to twenty minutes of genuine conversation every day can strengthen trust between parents and children and positively influence their emotional well being.

Another concern is the growing habit of comparing children with others. Statements such as Look at your cousin or Your classmate scored higher than you may appear harmless but they often damage a child’s confidence. Every child is unique. Each has different strengths, interests, abilities and learning styles. The National Curriculum Framework clearly promotes competency based learning, recognising that children develop at different paces. Comparison creates unnecessary pressure, anxiety, jealousy and fear of failure. Encouragement on the other hand, builds confidence and motivates children to improve. Parents should celebrate progress rather than perfection. Instead of asking only about examination marks they can ask meaningful questions What did you learn today? What made you happy? Did you help someone? Was there anything difficult? Such conversations communicate genuine interest in the child’s overall growth rather than only academic achievement.

Teachers too must recognise that parents are partners not merely visitors during Parent Teacher Meetings. Effective communication between schools and families should continue throughout the year. Teachers should regularly share children’s strengths, areas for improvement and strategies that parents can support at home. Likewise parents should openly communicate any concerns, emotional changes, or challenges their children may be facing. Mutual respect and trust between teachers and parents create the strongest support system for every child. Education is not merely about producing high examination scores. It is about nurturing responsible citizens who are compassionate, confident, ethical and resilient. These qualities develop when children receive consistent messages from both home and school. If schools teach honesty while children witness dishonesty at home confusion arises. If teachers encourage discipline while parents ignore irresponsible behaviour learning loses its impact. Children learn more from what adults do than from what adults say. The proverb It takes a village to raise a child remains relevant today. Teachers cannot replace parents just as parents cannot replace teachers. Both have distinct but equally important roles. Teachers provide professional guidance, structured learning and educational expertise. Parents provide emotional security, values, identity and unconditional support. Together they create an environment where children feel safe to learn ask questions, make mistakes and grow into responsible human beings. The vision of NEP 2020 is not merely to produce successful professionals but to nurture happy, confident and socially responsible individuals. Achieving this vision requires active participation from every stakeholder, especially parents. Schools alone cannot fulfil this responsibility nor should they be expected to. Let Us move beyond blaming one another whenever children struggle. Instead let Us strengthen the bridge between homes and schools. Let parents remain actively involved in their children’s learning. Let teachers continue to guide with dedication and compassion. Let every Parent Teacher Meeting become a meaningful dialogue rather than a routine formality.

When homes and schools walk together children do not merely achieve better grades they become better human beings. And ultimately that is the true purpose of education.

(Writer is a Teacher, An Author and a Columnist From Boniyar Baramulla. He Can Be Reached on mukhtar.qur@gmail.com)