Setting Limits For Preschoolers

Setting Limits For Preschoolers

• Preschool children need limits. They need choices and responsibility, safe boundaries and lots of opportunities to succeed.
• Children will push their limits - this can be a trying part of growing up but limits are useful. They help us all feel safe and let us know what we can and can't do.
• What is the best way to set limits?
  • Set a few simple, consistent rules which everyone follows, eg 'We don't hurt people or things'.
  • Show them how to behave, eg 'Let's cuddle gently' or 'Watch how carefully I turn the pages in this book'.
  • State limits clearly, eg 'The latest I will let you stay up is 7.30pm'.
  • Give them a limited choice of helpful things to do to keep them happy and busy and help them succeed at their tasks.
  • Don't give choices if you have already decided what the child needs to do. Make up your own mind first.
  • Use logical consequences, eg 'Remember, I asked you not to ride your bike on the road because it's dangerous. Because you have, the bike stays locked up in the shed for the rest of the day.
• STOP, THINK, SAY, DO. Stop the child when it looks like a limit has been broken. Ask them to think why you stopped them. Tell them to say what they did and what they should do. Then do it! With your help if necessary.

Parenting tips & parenting articles copyright & courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

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