When the school year kicks off, we want our kids to be excited, to embrace learning and to do their best. But, it can be hard for kids (and their parents) not to set unrealistic expectations.
It’s not a coincidence that the two quotes in my new MomAgenda day planner for the back to school weeks are very timely for all of us watching our kids move on to the next grade.
“Have no fear of perfection- you’ll never reach it.” – Salvador Dali
“Unless I accept my faults, I will most certainly doubt my virtues.” – Hugh Prather
Both quotes are such practical reminders to us all.
We can all be very hard on ourselves and kids follow our lead! It’s up to us to embrace and encourage our kids without putting additional pressure on them.
You can do it! Do your best!
These are the echoes we hear on the soccer fields, before that next math test and before their first speech in front of the class. This cheerleader approach feels good, but it can also be additional pressure to some kids. Some kids love and thrive on this type of motivation and pats on the back, others cringe with embarrassment! That’s where the next quote comes in handy.
“We have two ears and one mouth so that we can LISTEN twice as much as we SPEAK.” – Epictetus
The moments I cherish most are when my kids open up to explore their fears, their dreams and their feelings. When they admit they are scared, tired or nervous, it’s so rewarding to be there to listen and learn WHY they are feeling this way. My daughters have two very different ways they respond the same situations; so, I’m always reminded to adapt my style accordingly!
I am always hopeful I can help them to manage all of the expectations that circle around us every day. Friends, teachers, family, the media, co-workers — it’s impossible to keep everyone happy or to live up to everyone’s perception of how you feel.
So, here’s to all of us managing the expectations in and out of the classroom so we can all feel content with doing our best.
