How to deal with the expectation of parents!

To talk about what parents expect their children's lives, caution must be exercised. You have to get out of the question if the expectation is "good or bad" and evaluate how parents and children deal with those expectations.

It is natural and normal for parents to have expectations about their children. As they grow and the family goes through different stages, expectations change. The question lies in how the parents perceive their desires about the children’s future and whether, despite their own goals, they allow their children to make their own choices.

The expectation is usually created from the fact that parents wish the best for their children, and in their conception, believe that they know what is good and right to be done or from the desire not to see the child suffer what they have suffered.

On the other hand, we need to be careful with the parent’s self-esteem, since for those the child is the proof of their competence, that is to say, if he does the right thing, it is a sign that the parents have been able to educate and direct correctly, so that they can show others and themselves that they are competent. Other parents feel that if the child does what they want, it is a sign that they are loved.

To help parents in this process, ask yourself the reason why you want your child to follow a certain path and in what way can you make clear your expectations while retaining their ability to choose. Talk to your child and identify the skills and characteristics necessary for what you expect of them. Discover their desires, the goals and the difficulties to be able to understand and help them.

See you next time,

Laura