A teacher opens a student’s notebook. The pages are flawless—every letter formed perfectly, home assignments neatly finished, projects crafted with precision. And yet, when asked the simplest question in the classroom, the child stares blankly, unable to respond. This image isn’t rare in Indian schools today; it’s a snapshot of a much deeper problem.
When Homework Is a “Family Project”
Teachers often receive beautifully done notebooks from home, sometimes with a note from a parent or guardian proudly highlighting their efforts. Yet, these same children frequently struggle with foundational concepts in class. Why? Because, for many families, homework and schoolwork have become group projects, designed less for learning and more for impressing teachers and relatives.
In our culture, there’s immense social pressure to show off academic achievement—a high score, a neat notebook, a glowing report card. But somewhere along the line, we’ve confused “showing” progress with actually making it. The results, unfortunately, are visible in declining student skills and understanding.
The Stark Reality – Facts About Foundational Skills
Recent reports paint a sobering picture:
- More than 50-60% of Indian students are falling behind in basic literacy and numeracy. A 2025 government survey found 63% of 9th graders struggle with basic numerical skills such as percentages and fractions, while 43% of 6th graders can’t comprehend key ideas in texts.
- According to UNICEF, by 2030, 53% of Indian students will leave school lacking essential 21st-century skills like problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
- Higher education fares little better. Only 42.6% of graduates are considered truly employable; most lack core skills necessary for the workplace.
These statistics aren’t just numbers—they’re a reflection of children slipping through the cracks because the focus is on marks, not mastery.
Parental Involvement: Help or Hindrance?
Research consistently shows that positive parental involvement—supporting learning, being available for questions, encouraging curiosity—boosts student achievement, confidence, and attitude toward school. But when parental help tips into over-involvement—doing the child’s projects, correcting every mistake, prioritizing perfection over process—it can severely backfire:
- Children become dependent on adults rather than developing self-reliance.
- Their problem-solving and independent thinking stagnate.
- They begin to fear making mistakes or asking “silly” questions.
- In the long run, their academic skills, confidence, and adaptability suffer.
This over-helping even has a name: “helicopter parenting,” and education experts warn it produces children who may be “show-ready” but are not “life-ready.”
What Should Parents Actually Do? Practical Pointers
If the real goal is a capable, confident child—not just a perfect notebook—here’s what works:
- Encourage Real Understanding: Nudge your child to ask questions and understand the “why,” not just the “how.” Guide them to think, don’t simply hand over answers.
- Let Children Struggle and Try Again: Mistakes are powerful teachers. Allow your child to get things wrong and figure out how to improve.
- Don’t Do Homework for Them: Offer support and motivation but resist the urge to take over.
- Communicate with Teachers: Stay in touch with teachers to understand genuine progress—don’t be satisfied with just marks or praise.
- Encourage Life Skills: Go beyond academics; help your child build communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Create a Fear-Free Home Environment: Foster a space where effort is valued and failure isn’t shameful, but a step towards growth.
Support—Not a Crutch
True parental support acts as a safety net, not a crutch. A child who’s never allowed to stumble will never learn to walk alone. Today, a child may win applause for a beautifully completed assignment, but unless the process, the struggle, and the learning are truly theirs, tomorrow’s challenges—be it academics, careers, or life—may find them unprepared.
Schools and parents must come together to ensure that learning is authentic, and skills are truly acquired. When we step back just enough for children to own their learning journey—mistakes, messiness, and all—we gift them not just perfect notebooks, but the confidence and competence to face life head-on.