Setting Clear Expectations

Summary

Establish clear expectations for your child before they begin an activity. It is important to review/teach the expectations before each activity and revisit them if your child continues to struggle. This could include activities such as completing school work, taking a break, screen time, doing chores, playtime, etc.

To ensure understanding of the expectations, they must be clear and stated positively. For example, tell your child to "sit in your seat" versus "stop getting out of your seat!" Identify no more than 3-5 expectations during an activity at a time. Do not assume immediate success - provide gentle guidance and re-teaching. Avoid continually changing rules to develop consistency.

Checklist

⃞ Identify 3-5 expectations for the activity

⃞ State definitions positively

⃞ Use common and few words

⃞ Provide review and re-teaching

⃞ Provide visuals (written, pictures, icons)

⃞ Use a timer to support transitions (how long they have to work or how long they get their reinforcer)

Printable checklist

Examples

Template Documents

• Expectation Matrix

• Samples of Setting Expectations in the Home

• Setting Expectations at Home

Resources

• Building Supportive Environments: Setting Rules and Expectations - video of both school and home examples of best strategies when setting rules and expectations