As the summer months wind down, the transition into the academic school year begins. This week’s Ultimate Transformation Moment is about building expectations.

It’s time to build academic expectations for our children, have them set some goals and then give them support as they decide how they’re going to achieve them.

It’s also time to set parental expectations. For example, make a commitment to your child that twice a week, you will sit down with them and review their homework. Look at their assignments well before they are due or review completed homework so that you can begin to get a feel for what your child is doing. Understand that your participation represents an increased expectation from your child’s effort. It should also represent your continued participation throughout the school year.

Be sure to attend parent-teacher meetings at your child’s school. In public schools, African American parents are some of the least likely to show up to these meetings.  The less we show up, the more our children fall through the cracks and do not receive the support they should in school.

Are you willing to commit to making every parent meeting; one-on-ones with your child’s teacher or school events? Set the same high standard for yourself that you would set for your child.

I ask the athletes and youth in our programs a simple question, and I would like you to ask yourself and your child(ren) the same: are you average? Most people reply, “no.” No one believes that they are average. Then, why do we accept even less than average effort?  We accept C’s and D’s from our children, and we accept our lack of participation in the school functions that can make our children’s academic experience much better.

If your answer is that you are not average, then, do the work that takes you above and beyond.

Build your expectations above the basic standards. Put in the extra time for your child and by your example, show them how to put in the extra time, and do extra work on their own. As they begin to reach, they will reap the benefits of an excellent academic school year.

That’s our Ultimate Transformation Moment. Peace and be more.

Erich Nall is the owner and founder of Ultimate Transformations Training in Los Angeles, Calif. He is the author of “21 Days to Ultimate Health and Wellness.” He is also a regular guest and commentator on KJLH 102.3 FM’s the “Front Page” with Dominique DiPrima. Contact him at: www.ultimatetransformations.com.