Kids need a lot of love and affection, but they also crave rules. It’s healthy to set boundaries for your kids and consequences when those boundaries are broken. Keep in mind that our goal is to raise responsible adults, and by setting limits we teach them self-control and respect. Here are a few ways you can set boundaries.

1. Respect the boundaries you set.

If you make a rule, it’s important to follow it yourself. For example, if you insist that your kids knock on your bedroom door before entering, you need to do the same when you enter their room.

2. Reinforce positively.

Positive reinforcement is far more effective than negative reinforcement. When your child behaves properly, make sure to slather one good praise. This will make them work to repeat the behavior in the future.

3. Stay consistent.

Your biggest tool when it comes to discipline is consistency. If your rulings are always fair and can be relied on, your children will learn to respect the rules. If you give in to their demands and fail to follow through with your threats, they won’t have incentive to abide by your rules.

4. Communicate clearly.

It’s important to communicate your rules and the consequences for breaking them before enforcing those consequences. For example, if you have never told your child to not run in the house, it’s not fair to punish her when she does. After a fair warning and an explanation of the rules, it’s fair to carry out the consequences.

5. Don’t be a bully.

Setting limits is good, but not with a temper. If you shout and yell, you don’t teach your kids to mind their behavior, you just teach them to find ways to avoid the shouting. Be confident and make your rules stick, but also listen to their complaints and stay calm.

6. Choose reasonable boundaries.

No one wants to live in a home full of so many rules that it’s hard to keep track of them all. Choose the ones that matter and stick to them. Be willing to let unimportant things slide. Remember, your kids have their own lives.

7. Avoid “over functioning.”

Over functioning is when we do everything for our kids. Sometimes it’s easier to tie their shoes for them when we’re in a hurry, but that doesn’t help them learn how to do it themselves. You’ll just end up doing it all the time. It’s important to let your child manage themselves when it’s appropriate; let them make mistakes and figure things out.

Guest Blog by Christina Plejdrup, Mom and Inventor of the Minkey

Christina Plejdrup is a mother of a 3-year-old girl, Oliva, who tried many different winter products to see if she could find anything that could get her daughter to keep her gloves on as well as her hat and scarf. Christina tried everything, but nothing worked!

After several failed attempts to get her daughter to keep her gloves, hat and scar on, Christina designed her own solution! It worked like a charm and when they would walk through their neighborhood, several parents asked where they found such a unique and practical winter garment. This is when the Minkey (as her daughter calls it) was born.

The Minkey is a unique 3-in-1 winter hat, gloves and scarf for babies and toddlers. It’s easy to use and goes great under any jacket, snowsuit or vest, and children have plenty of comfort and movement. They will always stay warm and dry where it is important while out in the cold.

The Minkey is now an award-winning product adored by parents and kids all over the globe! Visit http://www.theolie.com for more information.

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

Interested in writing a guest blog for Baby Elephant Ears? Send your topic idea to pr@babyelephantears.com.

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