The Power of Parental Involvement | Present and Positive

The Power of Parental Involvement

Author: Raul “Tinker” Villarreal,

Tinker has been coaching and teaching for over 28 years in public school in Texas.

As an educator, i feel the number #1 contributor to student/athlete success is present and positive parental involvement. When parents are present and positive I have seen a huge increase in motivation and confidence. This is something every parent dreams of having with their children. When parents are present and positive their children's confidence and motivation goes up 65% according  to positive action. net. A quote by famous educator and governor of Arizona Jane D. Hull states “At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to success is the positive involvement of parents” 

 As a championship coach over the years, I have witnessed the amazing impact that parents have made with their children, just like my parents made in my life. I was very blessed to have parents that supported me through tough times as a teenager and helped me achieve greatness. My goal as an educator/coach is to positively impact every student I coach, and build positive relationships with parents to help support their children.

The Deidra Chapa story of 2025 is very similar to mine. As a young child, I was involved in an accident and savored my Achilles tendon. I had to have reconstructive surgery that required a year long rehab program and also suffered from depression. If it wasn’t for my parental involvement, I would never have been able to walk much less run again. I thank my parents for never giving up on me and helping me reach my full potential. Deidra Chapa was one of my powerlifters in 2024,  who was in an accident on the soccer field and tore her ACL, MCL,  and meniscus. She had to have major surgery and her future in powerlifting was uncertain.. A few weeks after Deidra’s surgery she began working with our school trainer and began rehabbing. I went to visit Deidra to see how she was doing. She told me “Coach I will be back next year” and  I told her “ I know you will”. I followed her progress and stayed in touch with her father as they continued to train her upper body for the bench press, while her legs were healing at a local gym. All she ever talked about was returning the following year and winning one more time. Every week her father would  send me progress videos and would ask “what do we need to fix coach ”. I truly believe building champions starts with great parental involvement. A few weeks before the season started Deidra was completely released by her physician for practice and competition. She was so excited and focused with her workouts, yet you could tell she lacked confidence with her squat . We started technique training on squats and she regained her strength quickly. What I witnessed at the Regional and State Powerlifting meet was truly amazing. She out lifted everyone on the bench and set new records with a 130 lb Bench Press. Deidra only weighed 94 pounds at the State meet and lifted in the 97lb weight class. She was also awarded the 2025 Regional and State Best Bencher. 

The power of parental involvement  is an amazing thing that will drive student/athletes to achieve extraordinary accomplishments. This young lady and her father are truly resilient and are role models for parental involvement. 

This picture of Deidra and her father is priceless, because of the journey they went through to get here.To see the thrill of victory is why I coach. I will continue to motivate my athletes and parents to help them reach their full potential.  #WIN

Questions:

• How involved are you in your child's activities?
• What can you start doing today to be more involved (present) in your child's activities? 
• In what ways can you be more positive before, during, or after your child's activities? 

• When was the last time you and your child worked together to help your child succeed?

Bio for:

Coach Raul “Tinker” Villarreal

Tinker Villarreal is a dynamic and motivating powerlifting coach with 28 years of experience in teaching and coaching. Recently crowned the 2025 powerlifting unequipped  State Championship Team winning coach, Tinker's personal achievements in the sport reflect his deep knowledge, and commitment to excellence. Over the years he has coached not only state powerlifting champions but also All State football players, helping individuals unlock their full potential across multiple disciplines. As the author of the groundbreaking book “Building Powerlifting Champions” Tinker offers valuable insights and coaching strategies that are transforming how strength training is approached, motivating athletes and coaches alike. His book is quickly becoming a must - read, providing the tools, motivation, and mindset necessary for success in powerlifting and beyond. Outside of coaching, Tinker is a dedicated family man of 25 years, married with 4 children. Tinkers’ unwavering commitment to his family, and athletes doesn't go unnoticed, as he has become a respected figure in both fitness and amongst his sport communities.