Establishing rules and setting limits

All children need rules and limits

• “The most important thing that children need from their parents is love, but a close second is structure.”
• Have expectations for proper behavior and limits on freedom
• Helps children manage their own behavior

Be firm but fair: “When you know you are right, be firm.”

Importance of monitoring

• Should always be able to answer these questions...
1. Where is my child?
2. Who is with my child?
3. What is my child doing?
• Know plans before they leave and report on what actually happened
• Don’t spy on them- unless you feel they are in danger

Handling conflicts over rules

• Look at changing the rule if it doesn’t fit
• Collaborate: look at revising the rule to accommodate the situation better 

Relaxing limits as child matures: gradually