The expectations should be something the child wants, not something the parent wants. We've all known parents who push a child to succeed in sports or some other activity when the child really wasn't interested. Parental expectations should tell a child that his parents believe in him. They encourage kids to believe in themselves and to be their best. Research has shown that one of the most powerful factors in determining a childs success is the kind of expectations their parents set for them.
Children know when they have earned the praise they receive.
Be specific about praise. Make sure the child knows what it was that was well done. Direct praise to the deserving child. Give individual attention, but do not make comparisons to others. Compare the success only to the individual's past performance and improvements.