Everyone wants their child to do well in school, but few understand how best to help. What role can parents play in their child’s academic achievement? I speak to Alberto Gonzales about his experiences as a student, teacher and a parent. We touch upon a number of core questions such as: how do parents shape their children’s view of learning? Can eager middle-class parents fuel inequality? What do we teach children without realising? At the end, I summarise some of the research on the links between parental involvement and academic success. Links for further reading/listening - The parent-run school that Alberto attended is San Patricio in San Sebastian, Spain - I mention the podcast series “Nice White Parents” - For my academic source on parental involvement, go to shorturl.at/sALT4