What do parents have a right to expect from their children?

While there are certain things that parents need to provide for our children, there are also things that parents have a right to expect in return. Here they are:

• Respect and courtesy in both verbal and non-verbal language.

• Accepting personal responsibility for choices and not blaming others.
  

• Truth in words and actions. Truth breeds trust.

• Assistance in family chores and making the house a home.

• Being helpful and loving towards siblings.

• Honesty, kindness and caring for family members.

• Taking care of possessions and property.

• Responsibility and involvement in forming family goals.

• That as they mature and develop they will become independent and self-sufficient.

• Forgiveness when we make mistakes.

• A willingness to try.

• That they will do their best at whatever they do.

• That they will obey family rules and guidelines.

• Sharing where you are, how you are getting there, who you are with, what you are doing, and when you will be home at all times they are not with us.

The expectations in this list, and the one from my last post, are very important to healthy relationships between parents and children. So, set aside some time at your next family council to share them with the whole family. For great information on family councils click here.

What do children have a right to expect from parents?

Hello from snowy Montana! Children should be able expect certain things from their parents. Here is a little list that all parents should read...

• Affection, warmth and comfort – hopefully a deep, unconditional, ongoing love.

• Respect and courtesy in both verbal and body language.

• Truth. Children often feel they are to blame for adult problems.

• Discipline with dignity in a firm and kind manner.

• Never to use, tolerate or allow verbal, sexual or physical abuse.

• Food, shelter and clothing.

• Consistency in expectations and emotions.

• Responsibility to work as a team in developing and reaching family goals.

• Rich and varied environment of learning.

• Separation of the behavior and the individual.

• Clear and realistic boundaries and guidelines.

• Teaching and living of morals, standards and values.

• Forgiveness and letting go of mistakes.

• That we would never knowingly hurt their feelings, spirits or bodies.

• That they will be heard and their emotions treated respectfully.

• Support and encouragement of efforts and endeavors.

• That the parents will keep them safe from harm.

• Time spent individually – remember children love, appreciate and remember your presence much more than your presents.

• That we will care for our own spiritual, emotional and physical needs so that we will set a good role model. Children learn what they live and see and on daily basis.

Next time, I will share with you a list of things that parents have a right to expect from their children. For more information on encouragement and responsibility click here.