{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/69257da6e5cc28ec3b484553/69f47cf4e1fad0f98a4aa232?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Are we expecting more of our kids than we do of ourselves? ","description":"<p>Are we holding our kids to a higher standard than we do ourselves?</p><p>In this episode of <em>Let’s Reconnect</em>, psychologist Breanna Jayne Sada explores one of the most common (and often hidden) causes of family conflict: unrealistic expectations.</p><p>From screen time battles to homework struggles, emotional outbursts to bedtime routines, many parents unknowingly hold their children to standards they wouldn’t meet themselves. This episode breaks down why that happens, what’s going on in a child’s developing brain, and how shifting your expectations can transform your relationship with your child.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt frustrated, overwhelmed, or stuck in the same arguments with your child or teen, this episode will help you step back, reflect, and reconnect—with more empathy, understanding, and realistic expectations.</p><h2><strong>What You’ll Learn in This Episode</strong></h2><ul><li>Why unrealistic expectations are a major source of conflict in families</li><li>How children’s brain development impacts behaviour and emotional regulation</li><li>The role of dopamine, motivation, and “in-the-moment” thinking in kids and teens</li><li>How comparison, social media, and fear-based parenting shape expectations</li><li>Why we often justify our own behaviour but criticise the same behaviour in our children</li><li>Practical ways to model behaviour instead of demanding it</li><li>How empathy and timing can improve cooperation (especially with screen time and homework)</li><li>Why “good enough parenting” is more than enough</li></ul><h2><strong>Key Takeaways</strong></h2><ul><li>Children are not mini adults—they have different neurological capacity and need support, not just expectations</li><li>Many behaviours we label as “problematic” in children are actually developmentally normal</li><li>If an adult would struggle to meet an expectation, it’s worth questioning whether it’s realistic for a child</li><li>Behaviour change happens through modelling, consistency, and connection—not lectures or punishment</li><li>Small shifts in awareness can significantly reduce conflict and strengthen relationships</li></ul><h2><strong>Common Parenting Moments This Episode Explores</strong></h2><ul><li>Asking your child to stop gaming or screen time immediately</li><li>Frustration around homework and motivation</li><li>Toddlers not finishing meals</li><li>Babies not sleeping through the night</li><li>Emotional outbursts and “tantrums”</li><li>Family conflict driven by mismatched expectations</li></ul><h2><strong>Practical Parenting Strategies</strong></h2><ul><li>Give transitions and warnings before ending preferred activities</li><li>Use empathy before instruction (“I know this is hard to stop…”)</li><li>Model the behaviour you want to see (screen time, emotional regulation, routines)</li><li>Narrate your own challenges and how you manage them</li><li>Repair after conflict—own your part and reset expectations</li><li>Reflect: <em>Could I meet this expectation myself? What support would I need?</em></li></ul><h2><br></h2><ul><li>Instagram: <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/breanna.jayne_psychologist/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@breanna.jayne_psychologist</a></li><li>Podcast Instagram: <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/letsreconnect_pod/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@letsreconnect_pod</a></li><li>Website: <a href=\"https://www.breannajayne.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.breannajayne.com/</a></li></ul><h2><br></h2><p>If you found this episode helpful, follow <em>Let’s Reconnect</em>, leave a rating, and share it with another parent who might need this reminder.</p><p>Got a question for a future episode? Send it through via Instagram DMs.</p>","author_name":"Breanna Jayne Sada"}