Parents are the first teachers of a child, and home is the first school. A child’s education begins long before they enter a classroom. A mother is often regarded as a child’s first teacher, while a father serves as a guide and mentor. When parents are educated, aware and actively involved in their children’s lives, they lay a strong foundation for their future success.

Home: The First School

A child learns to speak, walk, behave and interact with others by observing parents and family members. Basic manners, respect, cleanliness and good habits begin at home. A mother’s lap is often a child’s first classroom, where the earliest lessons of love, care and understanding are learned.
Moral Education and Values
Schools provide academic knowledge, but parents play a vital role in shaping a child’s character. Honesty, truthfulness, kindness, respect for elders, love for younger people and compassion for others are values that children learn through everyday experiences. Parents who practise these values set an example for their children to follow.

Support in Studies

Parents should take an active interest in their children’s education by helping them with homework, revision and examination preparation. A quiet, clean and comfortable study environment can improve concentration and learning. Parents should also check homework regularly and ensure that children attend school with the necessary books and materials.
At Government Middle School Durhama, we encourage parents to devote at least one hour daily to their children’s education. This time can be used for reading, revision, discussing school activities or simply understanding the challenges children face in their studies.

Character Building and Discipline

Discipline developed at home often remains with a child throughout life. Parents should encourage regular routines, punctuality, personal hygiene, respect for others and the timely performance of religious duties, including Namaz. They should also avoid abusive language and harsh behaviour in front of children, as young minds often imitate what they observe.

Encouragement and Motivation

Every child has different abilities and learns at a different pace. When children receive low marks or face academic difficulties, parents should guide and encourage them rather than resort to punishment or humiliation. Love, patience and constructive guidance can help struggling students build confidence and improve their performance.
Parents should also attend Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) regularly to understand their children’s progress and discuss areas that need improvement.

Cooperation Between Parents and Teachers

A child’s education becomes more effective when parents and teachers work together. Parents should communicate with teachers, seek updates on academic progress and follow appropriate guidance. This partnership helps identify learning difficulties early and ensures that children receive consistent support at home and school.

Meeting Basic Needs

Children need books, uniforms, stationery, nutritious food, proper rest and a safe environment to learn effectively. A hungry, unwell or anxious child may find it difficult to concentrate in class. Providing these basic necessities and ensuring regular school attendance are essential responsibilities of parents.
Islam also places great importance on the upbringing and education of children, encouraging parents to nurture their knowledge, character and moral development.

Conclusion

Just as a seed needs fertile soil, water and sunlight to grow, a child needs love, guidance, care and encouragement to flourish. Teachers educate children in school, but parents help prepare them for life by shaping their habits, values and attitudes.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasised the importance of good upbringing and moral education. A child who receives affection, guidance and positive examples at home is better equipped to face life’s challenges.
We, at Government Middle School Durhama, appeal to all parents in the Durhama area to cooperate with the school, ensure regular attendance, maintain their children’s cleanliness and give them the love, attention and time they deserve.
Let us work together to nurture responsible, confident and educated citizens. The future of our children depends on the partnership we build today.
Education is not the responsibility of schools alone; it is a shared duty of parents and teachers.

Email:--------------------mushtaq.butt4u@gmail.com