Parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children's educational journey. One crucial aspect of this involvement is setting appropriately high expectations. According to The Distance Learning Playbook for Parents by John Hattie, setting these expectations can significantly impact a child's motivation a learning outcomes. Here's why this approach is essential and how you can implement it effectively:

Why High Expectations Matter

1. Boosts Confidence: When children know that their parents believe in their abilities, it boosts the confidence. This belief acts as a catalyst for children to push beyond their comfort zones and achieve more than they thought possible.

2. Encourages Growth Mindset: By setting high expectations, parents encourage a growth mindset in their children. This mindset fosters resilience and a willingness to tackle challenges, as children learn to view effort as a path to mastery.

3. Enhances Academic Performance: Research has shown that students perform better academically when they are aware that their parents expect them to succeed. These expectations provide a framework within which children strive to do their best.

4. Promotes Responsibility and Independence: High expectations teach children to take responsibility for their learning and actions. It encourages them to become independent learners who are capable of setting and achieving their own goals.

By maintaining appropriately high expectations, parents can significantly enhance the children’s educational experience and outcomes. It's about balancing ambition with support, and striving for excellence while nurturing a love for learning.

How to Set High Expectations

1. Be Realistic and Supportive: While high expectations are beneficial, they must be realistic. Understa your child's strengths and areas for improvement, and provide the necessary support to help them succeed.

2. Communicate Clearly: Make sure your children understand what is expected of them. Discuss your expectations openly and listen to their thoughts and feelings about them. This dialogue helps ensure that expectations are shared and agreed upon.

3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results: Focus on the effort your child puts into their tasks rather than just the outcomes. This approach encourages persistence and resilience, as children learn that the process of learning is just as important as the end result.

4. Provide a Positive Environment: Create a home environment that is conducive to learning. Ensure that your child has a quiet and organized space to study and that they have access to the resources they need.

When we, as parents, set appropriately high expectations, we’re supporting our children’s confidence, resilience, and overall success. High expectations communicate to children that we believe in their potential, boosting their confidence and inspiring them to reach beyond their comfort zones.

🖨️ Click Here for a Printable PDF version of this article 

☕ Back to Learning Coach Café Page