Published by The Social Domain • December 19, 2023 • 2 min read

Parents’ Expectations: Linking to Successful Child Outcomes

Many parents may have high expectations for their children. They want them to succeed, be happy, and lead fulfilling lives. Expectations are a vital component of a child’s development and can actually play a significant role in determining their future success. A parent’s expectations can impact a child’s self-esteem, motivation, and overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the link between parents’ expectations and successful child outcomes.

Expectations and Self-Esteem

A parent’s expectations can have a significant impact on a child’s self-esteem. When parents set high expectations for their children, and the children meet or exceed those expectations, they feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This sense of achievement helps to build their self-esteem, which is critical for developing a positive sense of self.

On the other hand, when parents set low expectations for their children, it can lead to a lack of confidence and self-doubt. Children may feel that their parents do not believe in them and may not try as hard to succeed. These negative feelings can result in poor self-esteem, which can affect a child’s ability to achieve their goals.

Research has shown that parents’ expectations play a crucial role in children’s development. Positive expectations can lead to better academic performance, stronger relationships, and greater self-esteem. Conversely, negative expectations can lead to a lack of motivation, poor self-esteem, and even depression.

So, how can parents use their expectations to help their children succeed? Here are some tips:

  • Set realistic goals: Set goals that are challenging but achievable. This will help your child build confidence and feel a sense of accomplishment.
  • Encourage effort: Praise your child’s effort, not just their achievements. This will help them develop a growth mindset, where they believe that their abilities can improve with practice.
  • Provide support: Provide your child with the resources they need to succeed. This could include tutoring, mentoring, or access to extracurricular activities.

If you, or someone you know, are finding it difficult to interact social context, we are here to help. We can support you to increase your understanding and enhance the quality of your life through social interactions.

1300 950 992