This study aimed to address the overlooked differences in the effects of father-child and mother-child relationships on junior high school students' academic performance. Utilizing data from the China Education Panel Survey, it explored these relationships' impacts on overall and subject-specific academic achievements and the mediating role of self-efficacy. Findings revealed both relationships had positive effects, with the mother-child relationship being more prominent. Self-efficacy fully mediated the father-child relationship's influence on academic performance，indicating that enhancing self-efficacy is of great importance for improving academic performance through better father-child relationships. Theoretically, this enriches the understanding of family factors in academic success. Practically, it offers insights for parents and educators to improve relationships and self-efficacy, thereby enhancing academic performance.