Parents should make more time available to help their school-going children and if necessary work less to make sure they can, according to education minister Marja van Bijsterveldt, the Volkskrant reports on Wednesday.

The minister wants parents to be more involved in their children’s education, helping them to improve and choose an eventual profession, the paper says.
‘It is about a change in mentality of all involved,’ the minister is quoted as saying. ‘The role of parents is too often forgotten, many parents have fallen into the role of consumers.’
Young age
‘It helps enormously if parents read with their children from a young age, talk about experiences, tell stories and discuss social themes,’ the minister said.
To achieve this, parents and schools should set down their obligations in a ‘non non-committal agreement’ which states ‘how parents will use their talents and expertise to enrich education or to participate in the school’s decision-making process.’
The interview is part of a concerted media campaign by the minister to win support for her plans.
Cost
Asked by Nos radio about the impact of spending cuts on education the minister said: ‘We have to do more with less money which is why it is important to involve parents.’
However, Thijs den Otter, spokesman for teaching union Algemene Onderwijsbond, told the NRC the timing is pertinent.
‘This week, the education ministry budget is being debate in parliament, which includes €300m in spending cuts,’ he pointed out.