Teach Children To Know Limits Since Early Childhood, Here's An Effective And Soft Way

Illustration teaches types of restrictions on children from an early age in an effective and gentle way (Freepic)

YOGYAKARTA Teaching children about boundaries does not mean limiting their freedom, but helps them understand themselves and respect others. Children who learn to recognize personal and social boundaries will grow with a sense of security, confidence, and have stronger empathy. Quoting the Child Mind Institute, Wednesday, October 8, empathy is the foundation of the concept of limitation because children need to know how their actions can affect other people's feelings.

Parents, it is important to teach children the type of boundaries so that they understand the relationship between actions and their consequences, and are able to set boundaries in a healthy way. The following are the types of boundaries that need to be taught.

Children need to understand that their bodies are completely their own and should not be touched without permission. Teach that they have the right to say no when they feel uncomfortable with any touch, even from people they know. On the other hand, children should also learn to respect other people's physical limitations and not force contact when others refuse. That way, they learn the concept of consent, or consent, from an early age and understand that respecting private space is a form of empathy.

In playing or hanging out, children often do not understand that fun actions for them can be unpleasant for others. For example, pushing, pinching, or jumping into the back of friends without permission can be considered painful. Teach children to ask questions first before doing something, and listen when friends say 'no'. When children learn to appreciate other people's reactions, they begin to understand that every individual has different conveniences and boundaries.

Children need to be taught that words can build or hurt. Obscene when other people speak, speak too loudly, or use harsh sentences can violate the communication limit. Encourage children to wait for their turn to talk and choose polite words when expressing opinions. Teach simple sentences such as 'Please stop' or 'I don't like it' so that children get used to expressing boundaries clearly and politely.

Not all expressions of affection must be in the form of hugs or kissing, especially if children feel uncomfortable. It is important for children to know that they can resist certain forms of affection without being considered disrespectful. Parents should also not force their children to show affection in a way they don't like. Teach alternatives such as waving, smiling, or saying sweet words as a form of affection that still respects the comfort of children.

Children need to learn that boundaries not only protect themselves, but also maintain relationships with others. Limitations are two-way in nature, children have the right to be respected as well as to respect other people's boundaries. When children realize this, they learn social responsibility and understand that healthy relationships are built through mutual respect. By instilling this concept, children will be better able to maintain a balance between the personal needs and the needs of others in their environment.

Teaching boundaries can be done through everyday practice. When children are fighting for toys, invite them to have a dialogue, 'What do you think your friends feel?' or 'If your toys are taken, what do you feel?'. With training like this, children learn to put themselves in someone else's position. You can also be a real example by showing your own boundaries. For example, saying, 'Mother needs her own time for a while'. In addition, use stories or films to invite children to discuss the behavior and feelings of the characters in them. This approach helps children understand the value of empathy naturally without feeling intimidated.

Teaching boundaries to children is not just teaching them to say 'no'. But it also helps them build respect and empathy for the basis of healthy human relationships. Parents need to know, children who are able to understand and convey their boundaries politely will grow up to be confident, resilient, and care for others.