Adventures in Parenting: How to Enforce Boundaries

Setting limits with kids means setting a guideline for behavior—even when there’s not an official household rule. Since you can’t set a rule about everything, limits are those spur of the moment guidelines that are situational.

Setting limits can be tough for several reasons. Sometimes parents feel guilty about saying no. Or, they want to avoid a temper tantrum that will surely erupt when a child is told of a limit. And of course, partners don't always agree on what limits to set with kids.

But limits are good for kids. It teaches them appropriate behavior and gives them opportunities to sharpen some of their skills.