Boundaries Are Important For the Mental Health of Children

• Boundaries are their safe place. Children understand they are safe within their boundaries. They understand outside of these boundaries may be dangers.
• Boundaries need to be constant. Children will understand the love of parents is constant and consistent.
• Boundaries are inflexible. Children will understand they can count on their parents to be inflexible in their love.
• Boundaries are another form of discipline. Children will understand their personal limitations in life.
• Boundaries teach children to respect the boundaries of others. Children will understand the limits and needs of others.
• Boundaries make children feel loved and protected. Children will understand they are loved and valued.

ANALOGY: THE DOG THAT ROAMS MINDLESSLY AROUND EVENTUALLY GETS LOST AND HURT. THE DOG LIMITED TO HIS YARD AND HOME KNOWS HE IS LOVED AND A VALUED PART OF THE FAMILY.