It is unrealistic for parents to expect their children to be perfect. Unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment and conflict. Every child whines, complains, makes a mess, disagrees with her parents, and becomes upset at times. The way parents deal with these challenges influences whether the problems remain so as their children grow.
What to try instead:
- Check to see if your demands are age appropriate: Make sure that your demands and standards of behavior are realistic for your child’s age and abilities. Do some online research about, for instance, what chores to reasonably expect your child to do. Or ask the parents of your child’s friends what expectations they have.
For more parenting tips and tricks, follow the Exchange Family Center on social media (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn).