It’s a phrase I hear often from parents: “I’m not a teacher. That’s what schools are for, my children need to be taught by the school.”
On the surface, it makes sense. Schools have trained teachers, curriculum, and classrooms set up for learning. But here’s the truth: while schools play an important role, they are not the only place where children learn and they are not the most influential place either.
Parents Are Their Child’s First and Lasting Teachers
Before any school ever enters the picture, children learn from their parents. They learn how to talk, how to walk, how to share, and how to handle frustration. Long after graduation, they continue learning by watching how parents manage relationships, money, handle conflict, and pursue goals.
So even if you don’t see yourself as a “teacher,” your children are constantly learning from you. In fact, they’ll remember your example more than most school lessons.
Schools Teach Academics. Parents Teach Life.
Yes, schools cover math, reading, science, and history. But some of the most important lessons like patience, kindness, resilience, integrity are all taught at home. These values are caught, not taught, and kids pick them up by watching how you live.
Your words, your tone, your actions these all combined becomes part of their education.
Learning Doesn’t Stop at the School Door
Even if your children attend school, your involvement matters. Research shows that when parents stay engaged in reading at home, asking questions about schoolwork, showing interest in their child’s progress. Those students perform better academically and socially.
One study found that students with involved parents were more likely to earn higher grades, have better behavior, and graduate on time compared to peers whose parents were less engaged. (U.S. Department of Education)
You Don’t Have to Be “The Teacher” to Teach
The good news? You don’t need to run a classroom or give lectures. Teaching at home often looks simple:
• Reading a bedtime story.
• Letting your child help cook dinner and measure ingredients.
• Talking through a tough decision and explaining your thought process.
• Praising effort, not just results.
These little moments shape who your children become, just as much, if not more, than a formal lesson at school.
Final Thought
Schools are important, yes. Teachers do an incredible job, yes. But your role as a parent is irreplaceable. You don’t need a degree to teach your kids. You just need to be present, intentional, and willing.
So the next time you think, “I’m not a teacher. My children need to be taught by the school,” remember this: schools may teach lessons, but you teach life. And that is the kind of education your child will carry forever.
Blessed In Struggles 