| It is not always easy being a parent. We teach our | | | | three general boundaries that must be set. |
| children how to treat us. And often from an early age | | | | The trick in setting these rules is to not make them |
| they have us wrapped around their small fingers. | | | | sound like rules. Explain why that particular boundary is |
| So we are not unfairly taken advantage of we as | | | | set and why it is in their best interest. For example you |
| parents must set boundaries early on. Without these | | | | can talk about their bed-time as being essential to |
| our children will run wild. Today parents seem more | | | | have enough energy to wake up early the next |
| lenient - certainly more so than our own parents. Too | | | | morning and start playing. |
| much freedom can actually harm our children. | | | | State that so-and-so child goes to bed earlier than |
| By setting boundaries, we are letting our children know | | | | them and they are lucky to be able to stay up later |
| exactly what we expect of them. And what we | | | | than them. Tell your children stories about what it was |
| disapprove of. Yes our children may very well kick and | | | | like when you are their age. Children enjoy listening to |
| scream but it is in our own best interests (and theirs) to | | | | these - especially when it makes them feel better |
| set boundaries and then consistently reinforce them. | | | | about their circumstance. |
| Children feel safe when boundaries are set. Yes they | | | | Have consequences if they do not adhere to the |
| will test you and you must be firm and unrelenting. | | | | boundary. And make sure you carry out what you |
| Once you let your guard down once, you have lost | | | | threaten to do. That way your child knows you are |
| some self respect and will be walked all over. | | | | serious and will think twice about pushing the boundary |
| Setting boundaries for every routines are essential to | | | | next time. |
| ensure peaceful every-day living. Where your children | | | | Being firm and loving is the key in setting and |
| can and cannot eat in the house. What time they must | | | | reinforcing boundaries with your child. |
| go to bed. How they are expected to behave are | | | | |