31 Days Closer to Your Kids: Set Expectations

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Shelly Final

When my girls started elementary school, they knew my expectation: when they left the house for school their bed should be made and their room should be picked up. This required them to leave a few extra minutes each morning to do a “room check” before they left the house.

Is that a harsh expectation? Some of my friends think so. Should everyone expect the same thing of their children? I don’t know—I don’t have to parent your kids. I only have to parent mine, and part of that job is setting expectations that I think are important for my kids and for our family.

I’m not going to go into why I set that expectation for my girls in this post. The point is, I set the expectation by giving my daughters a responsibility, and I also expected them to obey by following through.

This one might seem a little strange. You’re probably thinking How will I connect better with my kids if I set expectations for them?

Here’s how. By setting expectations, your kids know exactly what you want from them. They can find a place of safety and security in knowing that they are living within the boundaries that you’ve set for them.

(They also should know the consequences of not meeting your expectations—think this one through carefully!).

Setting expectations allows our kids to achieve goals, even small ones like making their bed, which leads to a sense of satisfaction. In the end, you’re doing your child a favor by setting expectations for her. You’re teaching your child how to become an adult . . . a productive citizen. And you’re giving yourself an opportunity to praise your child for a job well done.

So what is one thing you expect of your child? What would you like to see your child follow through on? Talk to him or her about your goals today.

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Remember to check out the other posts in the "31 Days Closer . . ." series:

Sandy at The Amazing Adventures of the Fitness Friday Girl - "31 Days Closer to Health, Wellness, and Bathing Suit Season"
Melanie at Bella~Mella - "31 Days Closer to a Cuter You"
Jen at Finding Heaven - "31 Days Closer to Hearing God's Voice"
Lisa at Glad Chatter - "31 Days Closer to the Life You Always Wanted"
Missy at It's Almost Naptime - "31 Days Closer to a New Home"

Shelly