My dad paid my cell phone bill for years; the power of expectations
We rise (or fall) to the expectations created for us
When I was 33 years old, my dad approached me about getting OFF the family cell phone plan he paid for.
He said, “You’re married now and a doctor. I think it’s time for you to get your own cell phone plan.”
I was SHOCKED. DISMAYED. AGHAST.
My own father!? I thought we were FAMILY!!
It’s true. I was 33 years old, married, a doctor, and my parents paid for my cell phone.
Geez, when you say it like that, it seems almost embarassing! Pathetic.
But I tell this story to prove a point.
We rise (or fall) to the expectations created for us. Our kids do the same thing.
I wasn’t going to volunteer to pay for something someone else paid for!!
It’s the same reason your kid is not going to VOLUNTEER to do chores. Or to help around the house. Or to get themselves out of bed in the morning.
It’s not that they are not capable—they are!!
But as parents we need to create the expectation FIRST. Which means we need to:
1.) Give up control; 2.) Accept that they may struggle; 3.) Give up control.
Notice, I didn’t say it was going to be easy. It might feel uncomfortable. And that’s OK.
Otherwise we might end up paying a cell phone bill for someone board-certified in multiple medical specialties. Don't believe me? Just ask my dad.
