Great Expectations

How to raise or lower the bars we set for our children.

Single Session Bible Study

Anne Peterson

Overview

Some parents put unrealistic expectations on their children, who attempt to meet those expectations—and when they miss struggle with feelings of failure. Other parents decide they do not want to struggle with disappointment. They have set the bar low to ensure success for their children. Unfortunately, the child feels no real sense of accomplishment, but instead feels like he or she is being patronized. With little expected, little is accomplished.

How can we avoid raising children who feel they can never quite measure up? What are the results of expecting too little from our children? Are comparisons among siblings ever productive? How can we set realistic expectations for our children? These are the questions we'll be asking and discussing in this study.

Table of Contents

SCRIPTURE: Genesis 4:1–8; 37:3–8; Deuteronomy 6:5; 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Corinthians 13:4–7; Colossians 3:17

LEADER'S GUIDE

• Identify the Current Issue

• Discover the Eternal Principles

—Teaching point one: Perfection should not be the goal for our children.

—Teaching point two: Low expectations can produce frustration for children and fail to prepare them for life.

—Teaching point three: Recognize that no two siblings are alike.

—Teaching point four: Realistic expectations yield the best results.

• Apply Your Findings

• Additional Resources

ARTICLE FROM CHRISTIAN PARENTING TODAY