Getting kids to school on time seems simple: wake them up, send them walking, put them on a bus, or drive them. When the morning bell rings, your child should be in class, ready for a day of learning. However, many parents struggle to keep this schedule, resulting in tardy slips and disruptions as their children enter classrooms after lessons have begun.
In the United States, tardiness and truancy are growing concerns. A 2009 U.S. Department of Education study highlights their negative impact on education and future success:
- Students who are frequently tardy have lower grades, lower standardized test scores, and reduced graduation rates. Chronic tardiness in elementary and middle school is linked to high school failure (Ekstrom, Goertz, Pollack, & Rock, 1986).
- Teachers surveyed for the 2007 National Center for Education Statistics’ Indicators of School Crime and Safety reported that frequently tardy students face higher rates of suspension and disciplinary actions.
- Frequently tardy students are more likely to struggle with attendance and punctuality in the workforce.
In Loudoun County, Virginia, a school district with high morning tardiness rates overhauled its attendance policy. Parents who signed the countywide policy at the school year’s start faced fines over $3,000 and even incarceration for excessive tardiness, with cases reported to local child welfare agencies. The district also placed parents on probation as part of a zero-tolerance approach. Within a year, this policy led to one of the best attendance rates in the U.S.
Why Punctuality Matters
Many other school districts have followed suit, with 98% of U.S. districts implementing attendance policies that address tardiness. Enforcing these policies often requires additional staff and involvement from local law enforcement as truancy officers.
Educators argue that strict policies are not excessive. Late arrivals disrupt teachers and classmates, especially when students enter 20 minutes after class begins. Tardy children can also create safety issues during morning drop-off, particularly in schools with traffic and safety plans. Moreover, chronic tardiness is seen as disrespectful, affecting not only the late child but also the entire classroom.
What example do parents set when they disregard school start times? Lax attitudes toward punctuality can harm a child’s education and shape poor habits. Every family has the same opportunity to be on time; the key lies in planning, preparation, and commitment to ensuring children arrive with their peers.
Making punctuality a habit teaches children a fundamental life ethic. While occasional delays due to unexpected events or medical appointments are inevitable, chronic tardiness is irresponsible and avoidable. Regular lateness can foster an elitist attitude and, studies suggest, lead to lifelong punctuality issues, as noted in discussions about tardiness as disrespect.
If you struggle to get your child to school on time, take proactive steps. Prepare for the school day the night before, adjust bedtime routines, and prioritize organization. Setting a positive example with punctuality instills values that will benefit your child’s future.
