Model Your Expectations

Model Your Expectations

In the 2014–15 season, the Houston Rockets played spectacular basketball, eventually making it to the Western Conference Finals. Houston fans were excited about their hometown team that year as the Rockets continued to rack up wins. When I had a chance to take my family to a game during the regular season, we were excited to see our team play well. But we found ourselves a bit disappointed. You see, the performance that night didn’t live up to the hype around town, as they played a sloppy brand of basketball that resulted in a loss.

Expectations are a powerful force that can lead to joy or disappointment. The great Dallas Cowboy running back Tony Dorsett once said, “To succeed you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you.” Dorsett was saying that good coaches articulate what they expect from their athletes.

Good parents do the same. So what is it that you expect from your children? Remember, your children will look to you to motivate and inspire them. Help your children live up to your expectations by modeling those expectations. If you want your children to do their best, then do the same yourself. If you want your children to be caring and thoughtful, then model this same carefulness and thoughtfulness. If you want them to be polite, then by all means, show them what it is to be polite.

Model your ideals, and your team will follow. In his book Dad’s Playbook, Tom Limbert says, “Just as a coach outlines plays and defines goals, it’s up to you to create a game plan and provide explanations.”^a As you lead your children, remember this promise from Proverbs 22:6: “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Proverbs 22:6