Believing that someone will perform well or achieve their goals.
The belief that children will achieve their full potential.
What are high expectations?
High expectations are the strong belief that something good will happen. These expectations come from the hopes and dreams we have for our children. Our high expectations shape our reality and affect the people around us. Whether people do well or not can depend on what we expect from them.
Additional Resources
What Are High Expectations Module
The Importance of High Expectations for Families Webinar is an hour-long video. The speaker is Dr. Katie Herron, Director of the Early Childhood Center.
Why should I have high expectations for my child?
Setting high expectations for your child is very important. The high expectations let your child and those working with your child know that you believe your child will achieve their fullest potential.
Expectations communicate to our children that what they do is important to us. What they do matters—a lot! Having high expectations for your child motivates and encourages them by providing direction. Simple expectations can be things like “Pick up your toys after you are done playing” and “Saying please and thank you.” These are basic expectations for young children that will continue to grow with the child.
Additional Resources
How do High Expectations Impact Child Outcomes Module
High Expectations: A Most Valuable Tool from the PACER’s National Parent Center. This article explains the importance of high expectations for your child.
How do I set realistic high expectations for my child?
We need to meet our children where they are at when setting expectations. You should think about your child’s age and what they are currently able to do. These expectations should be achievable so children can succeed and feel good about themselves. High expectations must be realistic so the child experiences success and builds confidence. Remember that every child is different and has their own strengths, interests, and energy levels. You might need to change your expectations as you see your child working towards it. That is fine, we just want to keep them moving in the direction that leads to the high expectations.
Start with small, short-term expectations, they can reach, and then build to the next expectation. As children achieve the expectation, it needs to be celebrated. There are many fun ways to celebrate the achievement, based on what the child likes. This keeps the child focused and working toward the high expectations.
Where do high expectations come from?
As parents, we want our child to have friends, do well in school, be happy, and be part of the community. It is good for families to have hopes and dreams for their child because these lead to high expectations. What high expectations did your family have for you when you were growing up? Where did those expectations come from? Every family has different priorities that matter to them. What is important to your family? Some examples of high expectations are going to college, getting a driver’s license, and having a job. The expectations your parents had for you will often help shape the high expectations you set for your own children.
Additional Resources
Being Intentional about Hopes and Dreams
One of the foundation principles of Charting the Life Course (CtLC) is vision. In this video, Sheli Reynolds, PhD discusses how the CtLC concept of vision, brings back the hopes and dreams for families.
This article shares three simple steps to help young people learn how to reach their goals: Dream, Discover, and Do. There is a preview of the book “Dream”– it is beautifully illustrated and walks the child through stages of life discussing hopes and dreams.
Communicating Your High Expectations
Talk to your child about what you expect from them using clear words. Think about your child’s age and personality when setting expectations. Understanding your child’s strengths and limits is necessary in setting expectations. Younger children will need simpler, more concrete expectations. Being consistent with your expectations will help keep everyone on track.
It is important to share your high expectations with the people that interact with your child. Discussing your high expectations with teachers, providers, and family members will keep everyone working toward the same goals. When everyone works together, it makes your child feel safe, valued, cared for, and noticed.
Additional Resources
Family Perspectives on High Expectations Modules
This document will help you share information about your child. Families complete this document and give it to professionals to jumpstart conversations about expectations.
Sources:
The importance of high expectations for families of children with disabilities, Down Syndrome Indiana, Dr. Katie Herron, Early Childhood Center, IIDC Indiana University
WOW Parenting, Setting Realistic Expectations, Narendra Goidani, Sept 19, 2019
How Great Principals Drive High Expectations|New Leaders Blog
Psychology Today Parent Expectations: The helpful and the harmful, David Braucher, Ph.D. April 8, 2020
Next Topic: Sharing Your Expectations with the IFSP and IEP Team
Hello,
I am so happy you have chosen to visit the Early Childhood Insights blog! I would like to introduce myself, I am a mother to two grown boys and a grama. I have worked in the classroom and as a special education advocate assisting families. I enjoy helping families navigate their children’s educational journey. I have personally experienced the journey of special education with my son. I could have done more to help him earlier if I had known more. My passion is to introduce families to topics early on, prompt them to ask questions to those working with their child and be an informed parent. Information is power and you are your child’s best advocate. You can also reach out to me with any questions you may have.
Marcie Beers
Project Manager, Early Childhood Center IIDC
Mother, Special Education Advocate
Leave a Reply