We all remember growing up and being quizzed by our parents about what we did at school.

&uot;Hey, how was your day?&uot; &uot;Fine.&uot; &uot;What did you do today?&uot; &uot;Nothing.&uot; &uot;How did you do on your math test?&uot; &uot;OK.&uot; &uot;What did you have for lunch?&uot; &uot;Food.&uot;

How am I doing? Does this conversation sound familiar? I know as a student that is about all I was willing to tell my parents about my day at school. However, my parents did not let me get away with one-word answers. They were interested and involved in my education. While times have changed and now I am the parent, I know that being involved in your children’s education is still extremely important to your children’s growth and success in school and in life.

As parents we need to make sure that our children are ready for school each day. They need to get a good night’s sleep, get a good breakfast in the morning and be ready to learn when they arrive at school. We need to work on good behavior at home that will carry over to good behavior at school. When they come home from school, encourage them to be creative.

The TV or video game should not be their entertainment. Engage them in dialogue. It always amazes me how much you can learn from your child when someone else asks the question and you happen to be in the room. Ask the questions that need more that a one-word answer. If we as parents will be our children’s positive role model, and encourage them, love them, respect them and be involved with them, school has a whole new meaning. Becoming involved has many facets: Room parents, Project Charlie, DARE, PTOs, curriculum or budget advisory committees, After Prom, After Graduation, science fairs, watching student performances, going to parental conferences, the list goes on. The schools and staff can not do this on our own. We need our parents and our community to be involved with our children. Visit your child’s school and meet as many staff as you can.

Tom Eaton is a member of the Albert Lea School District #241 board of education.