As parents, we all want the best for our children. We dream of them excelling in school, growing into confident individuals, and achieving great things.
But success doesn’t happen by chance—it starts with the expectations we set for them from a young age.
Children rise to the level of expectations placed on them. When we believe in their potential, encourage them to work hard, and instill good habits early, they are more likely to develop the mindset and discipline needed to do well in school and beyond.
Pushing a kid past their resistance point teaches the kids to overcome difficulty, which is a vital skill to have as an adult
However setting unreasonable expectations, – can be damaging to children’s performance.
The key in setting realistic goals lies in knowing your child, so please don’t compare your children to other children. Every Child Is Different.
There’s a difference between what she’s expected to know or do, and what she actually knows or can do.
I have seen some children who love it when they are challenged. And some are not so good under pressure. Because like we all know every child is different.
And this does not mean they are not smart. They just learn differently
Being aware and keeping track of your child’s abilities can help you determine how best to help her progress.
RAISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS GRADUALLY.
A child gains confidence when he successfully completes a task, so give your children tasks within their abilities.
So when your child has mastered specific tasks and as she grows older, it is important to raise your expectations. Make tasks more difficult, but not too difficult, because failure can be harmful.
BE INTENTIONAL
You don’t lose weight by saying “I want to lose weight.” You lose weight by having a specific goal – “I want to lose 20kgs” – and then adopting specific habits, e.g. “No more cookies and chocolate except on special occasions.” In other words, you get to your objective by focusing on the means: “How will I lose 10kgs?”
The same can be said about setting expectations. You don’t get your child to read fluently by saying, “I expect you to read fluently.” You help her develop small daily habits, like reading every day for 10 minutes by herself, establishing family read-aloud traditions.
My Final Thoughts 💭
Your belief in your child’s potential can be the driving force behind their success. By setting high but realistic expectations early, you are giving them the mindset, confidence, and discipline to excel—not just in school, but in life.
Remember, the goal is not perfection but progress. With the right encouragement, your child will grow into someone who believes in themselves and works hard to achieve their dreams.
How do you set expectations for your child? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Have a blessed week
Happy parenting
Olu ❤️
Positive Parenting With Olu 