According to a journal article about literacy, there is ample research supporting the relationship between a parent’s educational level and his or her child’s literacy, which confirms the theory that, indeed, parents literacy skills impact their child’s literacy skills. Let’s delve into the topic more deeply and see what other experts have to say about the matter.

Based on the report “The Impact of Parents’ Background on their Children’s Education,” parents who have gone beyond high school in their schooling are found to be more academically involved with their kids compared to those who never finished secondary education. There are good reasons for this. One, for instance, is that many less educated parents have more stress in their lives. Consequently, they have less available quality time to interact with their kids.

On the flip side, those parents with more education often have a better understanding of a child’s school demands; thus, they are better equipped to address their academic needs. Last but not least, parents with a higher education tend to earn more money and often have to work fewer hours to make it. It’s an unfortunate cycle because studies show that children flat-out perform better when parents are involved in their learning process.

In terms of reading disabilities among parents and kids, research shows that literacy challenges are highly heritable, says an article on early literacy skills. To even out the playing field for those who are reading challenged in some way, such as those from lower income homes and English language learners (ELLs), some schools have enlisted the talents and services of an effective literacy program, The Latino Family Literacy Project, for their Hispanic students. Basically, this program educates and helps parents establish a regular, at-home, bilingual reading routine. Along with raising the literacy bar for students, it can help to increase a parent’s literacy skills as well. Teachers can attend a half-day, program training at a workshop near them or view a program specific online webinar to learn more.