Certainly, establishing clear expectations for your child, whether related to overall conduct, educational objectives, or any other facet of day-to-day existence, plays a vital role in their growth. Main key point here is setting realistic expectations and targets that suit the child – some children might encounter difficulties while others excel, so it’s about knowing how to define your expectations in a way that helps the individual grow.
Setting High and Healthy Expectations For Your Child
Expectations serve as a roadmap for your child covering both short and long-term goals and challenges. First, you must consider what your expectations for your child are and how realistic it is that they can achieve them. Generally, having high and healthy expectations encourages them to work towards their goals.
For example, when your child understands why and how they’re expected to behave on a trip to the mall before leaving the house, everything is more likely to run smoothly. Likewise, when they have a specific grade or pointers to work towards with their school work, they are more likely to take actionable steps to reach it.
What Happens When You Have Unreasonable Expectations?
However, enforcing unrealistic expectations or those that aren’t supported can cause stress, anxiety and rebellion from more realistic goals. This is especially relevant for academic expectations. When you expect something your child cannot achieve yet, it sets them up for failure or negativity.
Striking a balance that suits your family is crucial in fostering your children’s respect for authority and their pursuit of goals, all while preventing them from feeling like they aren’t ‘good enough’ if expectations aren’t always met.
How Do Parents Ensure They Are Setting Healthy Expectations As Their Children Develop?
Regard your child as a unique individual.
Avoid imposing your personal challenges onto them.
Encourage and Support
Focus on Positive and Realistic Expectations.
Develop Easily-Achievable Goals
Clear Communication
Be Consistent
Acknowledge and Embrace Challenges
Be Flexible
Celebrate Success
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