Expectations are road maps for your teen

Setting high expectations for your teen is the only way to be certain she will succeed in school. Think of your expectations like a road map--without the map, there's no guarantee your teen will end up at the final destination (or even know what it is). With the map, she'll be able to successfully find her way.

To make sure your expectations for your teen are clear:

• Talk about future goals. Help your teen make plans for the future and figure out how to make those plans a reality.
• Discuss the link between effort and outcome. Assure your teen that you are more concerned that she give her best effort than that she get all A's.
• Make time to talk about school and schoolwork. Your teen will feel that you are interested in her education.
• Have your teen set routines for homework and chores. This shows your teen that you are confident in her abilities to get the "little things" done by herself--and will prepare her to tackle larger goals.

Reprinted with permission from the February 2010 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (High School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2010 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.