Setting boundaries for kids isn’t a fun thing to talk about. Most of us would probably like to avoid the subject altogether, especially our kids. They usually see boundaries as punishment or a form of restriction. However, boundaries are for our kids for a number of reasons. As parents, we are in charge of the overall well-being of our kids. If our kids are going to grow, mature, and thrive with security and self-confidence, they will need borders for us to create.
Here are some reasons why setting boundaries for kids is loving and essential for your family.
- We Place Boundaries On What We Love.
The more we love something, the tighter bounjdaries we put on it. If I have a million dollars in my pocket, I’m going to be much more careful with that wallet than if I just had a dollar. That’s human nature. So, if we love our families, our kids, our wives, we’re going to put boundaries around them, to protect them. It’s a loving thing to do.
- We Have Specific Roles As Dads.
I need to protect my kids, help them grow, and watch over them. Some of that involves setting boundaries so they take care of themselves and I take care of them. As they grow and mature, those boundaries may loosen a bit. But at the beginning it’s important to communicate clearly what is appropriate and what is not. Boundaries are not there to punish or restrict. They are there to protect in a loving way.
- We Need Boundaries Too.
It’s important for us to recognize and perhaps communicate to our kids that we need boundaries as well. I am the leader of my family and I need to set boundaries so I don’t do anything to hurt myself or the family.
