“They're just kids.”

How often have you heard that phrase used to excuse disrespect, poor behavior, or a lack of responsibility?

But what if that common parenting excuse is actually limiting what our children are capable of becoming?

In Episode 170 of High Performance Parenting, Greg and Jacquie Francis continue their conversation about The Lies Parents Believe by challenging the idea that children are too young to learn respect, responsibility, leadership, and self-discipline.

Being young may explain a child's behavior, but it doesn't mean parents should stop teaching them.

Greg and Jacquie share practical examples from raising their six children, including how they taught their kids to introduce themselves, follow expectations at birthday parties, behave in stores, contribute to the household, and take ownership of their actions.

They also share how their daughters Crissy and Ellie have grown in confidence by learning to lead, speak up, solve problems, and take on challenges.

Ellie's story is especially powerful. Once accustomed to having older siblings speak for her, she developed confidence through running her own business, where she learned customer service, sales, handling rejection, and communicating with others.

Greg and Jacquie remind parents that setting expectations isn't about demanding perfection.

It's about believing your children are capable of learning, growing, and taking responsibility.

“When you're teaching your kids responsibility, it isn't punishment, it's preparation.”

And as children learn to accomplish difficult things, solve problems, and contribute value, they develop something that compliments alone can't provide: genuine confidence.

Are we setting expectations that prepare our children for adulthood, or making excuses that keep them comfortable?

Subscribe and share this episode with another parent who wants to raise responsible, capable, confident kids.

#HighPerformanceParenting #ChristianParenting #RaisingResponsibleKids #IntentionalParenting #ParentingAdvice

• (00:00) - The Parenting Excuse: “They're Just Kids”
• (01:17) - Children Rise to Expectations
• (02:32) - Teaching Social Skills Early
• (03:01) - Setting Expectations Before Outings
• (04:02) - Responsibility and Privileges
• (04:56) - Correcting Behavior and Following Through
• (05:55) - Ownership, Contribution, and Leadership
• (06:23) - Teaching Kids to Stand Out
• (07:08) - Confidence Comes From Competence
• (07:44) - Elli's Journey From Shy to Confident
• (08:14) - How Entrepreneurship Builds Confidence
• (10:21) - Different Children, Different Needs
• (10:48) - Communicating Household Expectations
• (12:09) - Everyone Must Contribute
• (13:07) - Why Low Expectations Limit Growth
• (13:52) - Responsibility Is Preparation
• (14:22) - Confidence Follows Competence
• (14:52) - Give Your Child a New Responsibility