This booklet explores the necessary roles of the family and school in motivating youngsters to stay in school and to establish patterns for successful living. It covers what parents can do to develop responsible learners, and presents activities parents can use to build positive attitudes in their children about school as well as build confidence. The booklet also explains what truancy is and what truant students generally do during school hours, and provides a brief cautionary note on the things that parents do to encourage truancy. The reasons for lack of success in school and the creation of dropout mentality are explored, including drug and alcohol use; and what the parents' and schools' roles are in supporting dropout prevention. It is emphasized that parents make a difference in how much and how well their children learn, and that they should always be willing to complement what their children learn in school as well as being cheerleaders applauding their children's efforts. Additional resource material and organizations are listed. (GLR)