| Children love having boundaries, although they would | | | | do find it difficult to handle freedom and responsibility. |
| never admit it to an adult. Boundaries actually help kids | | | | That is why you need to deal with each child on their |
| to feel more secure. This means they don't have to be | | | | own merits. My eldest two boys are 16 months apart |
| guessing about how their parents will react to | | | | but my younger one is more responsible than his older |
| something because they always know in advance. | | | | brother. So I am obliged to extend more freedom to |
| You see the rules are clearly defined. These children | | | | him because he has earned it. |
| display self control more readily and will happily take | | | | Think about what happens when a person enters into |
| responsibility because they understand the reasons | | | | the work force. It is not the oldest person who gets |
| behind what parents do. | | | | the promotion but the best qualified person for the job. |
| The end result of having good boundaries is that the | | | | Now I never make a big deal of things to my kids, but I |
| child reaches a certain level of freedom through this | | | | will entrust them with the level of responsibility that has |
| responsibility. The parent will bestow more freedom on | | | | been earned by them through their faithfulness or lack |
| the child knowing that they will be able to handle it | | | | thereof. Even if it was my 10 year old being the most |
| wisely. And as a child is given more freedom they | | | | faithful, she would be given the most freedom, |
| begin to take on even more responsibility. Then, when | | | | providing she didn't abuse the privilege. |
| they prove to be trustworthy they achieve even more | | | | The bottom line is that when we have good |
| freedom within limits. And this is the key. Once a child | | | | boundaries for our kids this helps negate the need for |
| realises this, they can move forward at whatever | | | | child discipline and makes life easier for both ourselves |
| pace they want in life. | | | | and our children. |
| Every child moves at a different rate and some kids | | | | |