Imagine a child who lacks ownership of his own life, has no
self-control, and lacks respect for others. If these were the qualities of
your son, how would you feel for his future wives?
Yes, wives is plural, this is one major reason we need to set boundaries
for our children ? their future. One study showed that children born
recently on average will have more spouses than kids. Here are a few
examples of children who lack boundaries:
1. Little Johnny walks right into his parent's bedroom whenever he wants.
It does not matter if the door was open or closed.
2. Twelve year-old Steve frequently changes the channel on the television.
It does not matter if anyone was watching a show or not.
3. Susie blames others for her mistakes. It always seems to be her
teacher's fault, brother's fault, or a friend's fault when something does
not go right.
4. Marie is uncomfortable with how her boyfriend treats her and pressures
her for sex. She keeps dating him because she questions who else would want
to date her.
Without boundaries children will have problems in relationships, school, and
life. Many times addictive behavior can be traced to lack of boundaries.
Here are a few results that can occur:
1. Children can have controlling behavior
2. Children can be motivated by guilt or anger.
3. Without firm boundaries children are more likely to follow their peer
group. For example, making unwise choices on sex, drinking, or driving.
4. Children do not own their own behavior or consequences, which can lead to
a life of turmoil.
5. Children may allow others to think for them.
6. They may allow someone else to define what his or her abilities will be.
This denies their maximum potential.
7. When someone has weak boundaries they pick up other's feelings.
8. Weak boundaries may make it hard to tell where we end and another person
begins.
What is a parent to do? Many times we hinder our children from developing
boundaries. Realize we must teach our children boundaries; they are not
born with them. Here are a few suggestions to help develop boundaries.
1. Recognize and respect the child's boundaries. For example, knock on
their closed bedroom door instead of just walking in.
2. Set our own boundaries and have consequences for crossing them.
3. Avoid controlling the child.
4. Give two choices; this helps our children learn decision-making skills.
5. When you recognize that boundaries need to be set. Do it clearly, do it
without anger, and use as few words as possible.
6. We need to say what hurts us and what feels good.
7. It may be difficult to set a boundary. You may feel afraid, ashamed, or
nervous, that's okay, do it any ways.
Another way to work with boundaries and children is to model these for our
children.
1. Recognize your physical boundaries.
2. You have the right to request proper treatment, for example, poorly
prepared meals in a restaurant should be sent back, ask others to smoke away
from your space, and ask that loud music be turned down.
3. Share your opinions with your children. Allow your children their
opinions. Opinions are not right or wrong. This will help them think for
themselves.
4. Teach them how you decide on the choices you make.
5. Lets own what we do and what we don't do. Take responsibility for when
things go wrong.
6. Accept your thoughts, it is who you are.
7. Discover what your limits are, emotional and physical.
Setting boundaries is all about taking care of ourselves. This is the first
guideline we teach in our workshops. Other benefits include:
1. We will learn to value, trust, and listen to ourselves.
2. Boundaries are also the key to having a loving relationship.
3. Boundaries will help us with our personal growth.
4. We will learn to listen to ourselves (trusting our intuition). We
also will learn to respect and care for others and ourselves.
5. Boundaries will aid us in the workplace.
Boundaries are all about freedom and recognizing when these freedoms have been crossed. Boundaries give us a framework in which to negotiate life events. Recognizing and acting when our boundaries have been crossed will protect our freedom. Boundaries lead to winning relationships for both
parties. By building foundations based on mutual trust, love, and respect we can expect our children to grow up more tolerant and with a mature character. Simply put, boundaries simplify life.
Derek and Gail Randel M.D. are parent coaches who have customized programs
for corporations, schools, and parent groups. They can be reached at Parent Smart from the
Heart, 1-866-89-SMART, www.parentsmartfromtheheart.com , www.parentsmartfromtheheart.com or
www.parentsmartfromtheheart.com
IntroductionChildren are the gifts of God to parents. That young... Read More
What is in a name?The answer is everything!Jo J. of... Read More
Parents looking for a quick fix usually choose troubled teen... Read More
For several years now, I've told the following story as... Read More
Handing Down Malignancy.Children may begin bright and eager to face... Read More
Homework. It doesn't have to be a daily battle of... Read More
Until about the age of six, children do not generally... Read More
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can... Read More
Do you really want your child to enjoy playing with... Read More
Is there anything wrong with lying, cheating, stealing, shop-lifting, taking... Read More
The main thing we noticed since having a baby is... Read More
One of my first memories of childhood is that of... Read More
A study done by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found... Read More
Choosing a baby name is an important job, so make... Read More
By the time your children reach their teens, there is... Read More
Having worked with parents for the last 35 years and... Read More
I don't know how people raise daughters because I have... Read More
Did you know that over 75% of teens aged 16-17... Read More
Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things... Read More
Our children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More
Home schooling benefits children. As a parent, I feel it... Read More
Some public schools try to turn children against their parents... Read More
"Home Schooling ? Look Before You Leap"Are you considering home... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Ever blown your top to your children, only to regret... Read More
housekeepers near Deerfield ..When our oldest son was 2, my wife went out... Read More
In the last few years, parents started getting more and... Read More
You have just received a call from your child's teacher... Read More
The brightly colored plastic mobile dangles lazily overhead in the... Read More
Reasearch into children's friendships shows that those children who are... Read More
Q. Things have been relatively calm and OK with our... Read More
As parents, we love our children and want to do... Read More
Working with adults (as well as children and teens) for... Read More
Not many things are more upsetting than discovering that your... Read More
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can... Read More
It has been a long day. Home from work, you... Read More
Last week in my newsletter, I mentioned that... Read More
Time management is an organisational concept traditionally associated with adults... Read More
Many parents struggle to know which foods are healthy for... Read More
My son, Dakota is now 7 yrs old. He is... Read More
Identity and Your Fraternal TwinFor the most part, throughout this... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
Oh Please, Don't Say Maybe!!!!Are you often a participant in... Read More
Using 14 "at" Flashcards To Teach Reading:This exercise helps your... Read More
Life is full of competition -- even in childhood. Kids... Read More
Why do some children still do best after divorce and... Read More
Compulsory attendance laws are school authorities' first assault on parental... Read More
I'm sure many of you have heard that old Hallmark... Read More
You no longer have to use Ritalin or other stimulants... Read More
Parents looking for a quick fix usually choose troubled teen... Read More
Parenting |