SHAH ALAM - In today's fast-paced world, the role of parents in their children's education extends far beyond checking homework and attending parent-teacher meetings.
Child Care Centre Eden Educare Head of Education Nurul Ihsan Atiqah Jamal said parents' involvement in their children’s education is about building confidence, creating core memories and shaping the skills children need to succeed.
With 13 years of experience in education, Ihsan said she observed that the impact of parents’ simple act of showing up on children was profound.
She said the benefits of parental involvement stretched far beyond school events adding that children develop critical life skills when their parents are actively involved and engaged.
In October, the child care centre held its yearly sports day event where parents and their children teamed up to tackle checkpoints, solve puzzles, and cheer each other on.
This, Ihsan said was a simple, yet powerful bonding experience.
She said when children feel seen and supported, it boosts their confidence, intelligence and emotional well-being.
When parents cheer for their children, the children would also know that they are supported both at school and at home.
"These moments aren’t just fun. They shape children’s confidence and eagerness to participate.
"When children do these activities with their parents, they feel proud and happy. These memories stay with them forever," she said.
Ihsan said since Eden’s inception, the team has made it their mission to create experiences that go beyond books and classrooms.
She added that they want to create spaces where the whole family can engage together.
"We want families to engage together. When parents and children share these experiences, it strengthens their bonds, builds confidence and creates memories that last a lifetime," she said.
She said Eden, which operates as a playschool and preschool, recognises that not every parent can easily make time for school activities.
To address this, she said the centre planned events well in advance and offers flexible opportunities for parents to participate.
"By giving parents enough notice, we hope to see more families join in," she added.
Meanwhile, Eden Educare founder Nur Farhana Samadi said children displayed significant improvements during activities compared to their typical classroom behaviour.
She shared that one standout moment during Eden’s sports day event was when one of the preschoolers known to be shy and reserved in the classroom spoke up more than usual and completed the activities confidently with his parents by his side.
"It was heartwarming to see him complete tasks confidently and even speak more than usual. His parents were thrilled to see this side of him," she said.
Such events, she said highlighted how even small gestures of parental presence can leave a lasting impact.
Farhana, who also operates the Eden branch at Eco Grandeur, Puncak Alam believed in transparency and working closely with parents to monitor and support each child’s growth.
She said school events help parents gain a deeper understanding of their children’s strengths and areas for growth, which can strengthen the connection between parents and teachers.
"Transparency is the key for us. We want parents to be fully aware of their child’s progress and the support we provide," she said.
She said when parents understand their children’s strengths and areas of improvement, it creates a powerful partnership between parents, teachers, and students.
Looking ahead, she said Eden is committed to building a close-knit community where parents, teachers and students work hand-in-hand.
"The bond between parents and teachers is crucial for a child’s success," she added.