How to set healthy boundaries:
- Setting rules, limits and routines – these help the child to know what is expected of them.
- Be clear – use simple and concise language.
- Be consistent – it is important to make sure the boundaries are consistent, otherwise it can send mixed messages to the child and that its okay to test boundaries.
- Be firm, but warm in your approach – trying not to get angry in your approach.
- Acknowledge and praise their efforts
Some of the important areas for setting boundaries are;
- Sleep
- Meal times and food choices
- Manners (respect for self and others)
- Hygiene
- Safety
- School
- Screen use and content