02-21-2022
Loving Your Child Means Establishing Limits
You'd never let a toddler play with fire. You'd never let your child jump off a bridge. Setting limits is one of a parent's most important jobs.
Learning to observe rules and limits helps your child develop the self-discipline needed to follow directions and concentrate in school. These behaviors make it more likely that your child will do well and be a successful student.
Here are some tips for setting effective limits:
- Start with a behavior that matters to you. Limits are no good if they aren't enforced. If seeing clothes on the floor really drives you crazy, then that's a place to start.
- Talk with your child about the limit. Explain why it's important to you. Start by asking for cooperation rather than giving the impression that you're laying down the law.
- Involve your child in establishing consequences. "If you don't pick up your clothes and put them in the hamper, then I can't wash them when I do laundry."
- Stick to the rules. Once you've set rules or limits, you have to enforce them consistently every time. Otherwise, your child will learn that you don't mean what you say.
Brought to you by:
West Point Consolidated School District
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