What does raising the bar look like for you? What expectations do you have for your children? Setting high expectations is a good thing, as long as the bar isn't out of reach.
Some of the students I taught had trouble with organization and keeping track of assignments. Meetings with parents and guidance often resulted in a long list of things the child was supposed to accomplish or master. Honestly, if someone handed me a list like that I would probably shut down and give up (and some of them did). It's too much, too quickly. Just remembering to always put finished homework in their backpack was a major accomplishment.
Most goals or tasks are comprised of any number of smaller steps. So keep the big picture in mind, and implement in small steps. And remember to celebrate the small stuff, because nothing builds success like success.
And speaking of the big picture, here is an inspiring video about ordinary people who went on to accomplish extraordinary things.
Fern Weis is a Parent Coach and Family Recovery Coach, specializing in supporting parents of teens and young adults who are going through difficult situations (including underachieving, disrespectful behavior, addiction recovery and more). With a parent-centered approach, Fern helps parents release guilt, end enabling, and confidently prepare their children to thrive through life’s challenges. Learn more about coaching and workshops at www.fernweis.com and www.familyrecoverypartners.com