“I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you.” – President Obama
President Obama gave a compelling speech to school children this fall as they began their new school year. He talked about expectations and challenges. He made it clear that anyone can be a good student, regardless of obstacles or background. He motivated them from being passive to active – the world is not happening to them, they are creating it. His message is relevant for parents too. There are a lot of assumptions about what parents are supposed to do, but no holistic guide. We know children expect the best of us, and mostly we expect the best of ourselves. But let’s pause and remind ourselves exactly WHAT we are expected to do, congratulate ourselves where we are having success and apply ourselves where needed. Let’s remind ourselves to be intentional and active about our families and to create the family we want. Below are the basic expectations for parents that reads a bit like a job description. Although you know what you are supposed to do, sometimes it is nice to review.
- Establish overall tone and attitude for the family
- Establish, model and train expected social behavior
- Create safe and effective home environment
- Plan and provide meals (including menu planning, shopping, food preparation and service)
- Provide necessities such as clothing, training guides, school supplies, etc on an ongoing basis
- Structure and coordinate the daily activities of the home
- Coordinate logistics for all activities outside the home
- Establish and maintain ongoing emotional, physical and spiritual development program
- Plan and participate in activities that strengthen children’s intelligence and/or physical capabilities. Activities may include reading, game playing and a wide variety of others
- Create incentive programs
- Collaborate and own relationship with other stakeholders, including extended family, teachers, day care providers, etc.
- Maintain responsibility for finances
- Coordinate and maintain relationship with wide range of contractors and service providers (eg cable, insurance, banks, etc) including scheduling payments, making necessary appointments.
- Tailor communications to the expertise level of audience
- Evaluate ongoing operations regularly
- Respond quickly and professionally to a wide variety of requests
Must have been the subject of similar background and training. Must be willing to work with no oversight and minimal direction. Strong ability to multitask with multiple demands while exercising judgment helpful but not required.
Any of these responsibilities can be outsourced or delegated provided the resources are available.