Prepared Parents, Thriving Students: Why Family Planning Matters—Even After the First Bell Rings
It’s back-to-school time, and Idaho families across the state are settling into the routines of a new school year. It’s around this time of year when we reflect on what preparedness means for our students as they begin school or continue on their education journey. The start of school is an excellent reminder that student success doesn’t start in the classroom—it begins at home. Parents are a child’s first and most influential teacher. When families can plan and space their children as they see fit, they’re better equipped to provide the stability, attention, and resources every student needs to thrive.
Family planning helps parents lead with purpose, not just react to circumstance. It’s about readiness; being able to show up for our kids, whether that means helping with homework, attending parent-teacher conferences, or simply keeping the lights on and food on the table.
Here’s what the research tells us:
Children in households with planned pregnancies are more likely to enter school ready to learn.
Parents who can space and plan births are more engaged in school activities, from volunteering to classroom support.
Family planning supports workforce participation, helping parents maintain jobs that fund school supplies, extracurriculars, and college savings.
Contraception is a tool that helps families build their futures with intention. It enables parents to make decisions that reflect their values, their capacity, and their hopes for their children. When families have access to these tools, they’re not just planning for pregnancy; they’re preparing for a future of success.
At ICEN, we believe every Idaho parent deserves the ability to steward their family’s future with intention and care. When families can make thoughtful decisions about when and how to grow, they’re better positioned to provide the structure, support, and values that help children succeed. Because when parents are prepared, students thrive, and our communities become stronger, more resilient, and rooted in the principles that have long defined Idaho: faith in family, pride in hard work, and a commitment to building something lasting.
- The Idaho Contraceptive Education Network Board of Directors