How can we encourage parents/guardians to get involved in our school health programs?

Being a health promoting school is a great way to involve parents with the school communities. Requests for support for tailored programs that fit with a bigger plan or goal can be a drawn for parents. Where some may not come to a meeting, they may be happy to help weed a vegetable patch or paint a courtyard. Parents/guardians do like to be consulted and participate in a vision of the school community when the health and well being of their children is the focus. Their own health issues can also be addressed through involvement in a health promoting community.
Activities such as writing a policy or volunteering on a project can provide an opportunity for parent participation. Communication through newsletters and noticeboards and displays, information at parent/teacher interviews and conferences can help keep parents/guardians in touch.

Key steps in developing a Health Promoting School:
Engaging health and educational officials, teachers, students, parents and community leaders in efforts to promote health in schools
Providing a safe, healthy environment, both physical and psychosocial
providing effective skill based health education and life skills training
Providing access to health services (child & adolescent)
Implementing school policies and good practices that support health as a mission.
School Health – An integrated model for good practices