One suggestion for parents is to try and be sure Dad is involved with raising the kids.  It must be hard for single parents to raise kids - it can be hard enough when there are two of you.  When your school has parent teacher conferences, try to arrange schedules so that both Mom and Dad can attend.  It can also be helpful to the teacher to meet with both parents.  The way a student behaves at school is often directly related to how things are for the child at home.  If there are difficult circumstances at home, don't be bashful about telling the teacher things that might help her understand how your child behaves.  An explanation is not the same thing as making excuses.  However, if your teacher is aware of any problems that might be going on at home, it can make it easier for her to understand classroom behavior, or study habits.