Regular attendance is as important to your child’s school career as the foundation is to a house. Without it, there is nothing to build on.
Here’s why being present and on time, every day, is so important:
· School attendance is required. Your child should miss school only for illness or emergency.
· Missing school affects grades. Students who miss school regularly are more likely to fall behind, struggle to keep up, and experience lower academic achievement.
· School is where students build friendships and learn to collaborate. Consistent attendance allows them to participate fully and develop a sense of belonging and connection.
To make attendance a family priority:
· Talk to your child about why being in school, on time, every day matters. Emphasize that it’s important to your family.
· Plan ahead. Schedule vacations and medical appointments during school breaks and after-school hours whenever possible.
· Don’t allow excuses. Don’t keep your child home for non-essential reasons. Missing school to avoid a test, catch up on sleep or finish a project can create a cycle of falling behind.
· Stay connected. Inform the school if your child will be absent. And if your family experiences difficulties that affect attendance, reach out to the school to find resources and support systems available to help.
Reprinted with permission from the Parents Still make the difference!® newsletter. Copyright © 2025 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc.