When I look back to my own teenage years, the challenges our teenagers have today are much different.
The world is a far more scary and complicated place today! As a result, it is imperative to set crystal clear and fair boundaries with your children.
As a parent in the 21st century - this is an important responsibility.
Our children have to make decisions every day.
If they do not have clear and structured boundaries, they have no ability to make wise choices.
Limits teach children proper restraint in social and individual activities and provide them with necessary structures and security.
This will help them grow in a healthy environment.
Setting limits provides a foundation for guidance before they get into trouble.
A child's age and developmental level needs to be considered when setting limits.
All children have a need for independence and individualization.
However, they also need clear structure, security and parental involvement.
Obviously the needs of a 2-year old vary greatly compared to those of a teenager.
A toddler has a strong desire to explore and investigate.
Teenagers need to be able to be an individual and be independent, but with strong parental guidance and influence.
This will help them make smart choices in difficult situations.
Limits should be discussed and set prior to the situation.
Though situations arise that are not planned, daily situations should have set limits and expectations.
A teenager who breaks curfew may have the privilege of going out with friends revoked until they learn to respect the rules that have been set up together.
Important is always to have set the rules in advance and when the rules are set, that the teenagers know that the rules will also be put through.
Parents who are not consequent will be dealing with the same issue a lot longer.
Children respond in a positive manner in an environment in which they know what to expect and what is expected of them.
A child will be more respectful towards rules and more willing to abide by them if the rules are crystal clear and consistent.
Once the rules are set, it is very important to stick to them.
A child is less likely to try and manipulate a parent into changing the limits when their experience ha been that there is no bending the rules.
Remember, the rules have been set up together, so there is no need to argue or discuss the issue.
Be firm and consistent and you will be respected as a parent and in the long run as an equal.
The world is a far more scary and complicated place today! As a result, it is imperative to set crystal clear and fair boundaries with your children.
As a parent in the 21st century - this is an important responsibility.
Our children have to make decisions every day.
If they do not have clear and structured boundaries, they have no ability to make wise choices.
Limits teach children proper restraint in social and individual activities and provide them with necessary structures and security.
This will help them grow in a healthy environment.
Setting limits provides a foundation for guidance before they get into trouble.
A child's age and developmental level needs to be considered when setting limits.
All children have a need for independence and individualization.
However, they also need clear structure, security and parental involvement.
Obviously the needs of a 2-year old vary greatly compared to those of a teenager.
A toddler has a strong desire to explore and investigate.
Teenagers need to be able to be an individual and be independent, but with strong parental guidance and influence.
This will help them make smart choices in difficult situations.
Limits should be discussed and set prior to the situation.
Though situations arise that are not planned, daily situations should have set limits and expectations.
A teenager who breaks curfew may have the privilege of going out with friends revoked until they learn to respect the rules that have been set up together.
Important is always to have set the rules in advance and when the rules are set, that the teenagers know that the rules will also be put through.
Parents who are not consequent will be dealing with the same issue a lot longer.
Children respond in a positive manner in an environment in which they know what to expect and what is expected of them.
A child will be more respectful towards rules and more willing to abide by them if the rules are crystal clear and consistent.
Once the rules are set, it is very important to stick to them.
A child is less likely to try and manipulate a parent into changing the limits when their experience ha been that there is no bending the rules.
Remember, the rules have been set up together, so there is no need to argue or discuss the issue.
Be firm and consistent and you will be respected as a parent and in the long run as an equal.
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