Setting Boundaries For 2 Year Olds Makes For Responsible Adults

Setting boundaries for 2-year-olds is no easy task. It is normal for children to want to be independent and try to do what they want at this age. Plus, they think tantrums will get them what they want. That’s why it’s important to stay calm and keep the situation under control.

When parents set rules and boundaries, they do so in part to prevent their children from always getting their way. In addition , they teach them to value and respect themselves above all else.

With this in mind, how do we deal with setting boundaries? And what are the benefits of this?

Who is responsible for setting boundaries in a 2-year-old?

Both parents are responsible for setting boundaries for their children. Mom and Dad must agree on the rules and inform the rest of the family so that the rules are followed and enforced.

Therefore, when choosing the limits you set, keep in mind the capabilities of each child.

7 Tricks for Setting Boundaries in 2-Year-Olds

Boundaries are a must to let kids know how far they can go with parents and other family members.

Below are some suggestions to keep in mind when setting rules for your little one.

1. Parents should give specific and concrete orders

Since 2-year-olds can’t understand abstract messages, explain what behavior you expect from them. It is not enough to say, “Behave yourself” or “Sit up straight”.

You have to be specific about what good behavior is or what sitting correctly actually means.

2. Speak sternly and calmly

If your child is misbehaving, you should explain which norm is in violation. When you do, you should be calm and use a serious tone.

Something that might come in handy is to write down the rules and put them up in a place that everyone can see. Obviously, you should use visible representations of the rules so that your 2-year-old can better understand it.

If a child breaks a rule, it is good to remind him or her of the rules, but without yelling, as this can only lead to worse behavior.

3. Don’t give in, even if your child gets angry

Parents should stand firm when the answer is ‘NO’ and not give in. Children tend to beg, cry, or even lash out when they don’t get their way.

If your child manages to change your response with this behavior, he will likely use it more often in the future.

However, if you stick to the rules you establish, your child is more likely to respect them in the future.

4. Speak your expectations positively

Children are more likely to obey rules that are expressed in a positive way. Instead of asking your child not to cry, ask him to speak in a calm, soft voice.

For example, suppose your child hits another child. Instead of telling your child not to hit, tell them to treat others with love and respect.

Remember that your child is still developing their language skills and cannot fully understand the words ‘no’ and ‘not’ yet.

5. Take into account your child’s specific personality

You need to consider your child’s personality and remember that not all children are the same. Some children need a mild warning, while others need more rigor to obey.

If your child doesn’t obey the first time, push until he does.

6. Parents must be a united front

If a mother forbids something, the father must support her and vice versa. If not, the child will learn not to obey, but rather to look to the more permissive parent.

This creates a confusing situation for the child and often leads him to disdain the authority of one or both parents.

7. Develop Habits

Habits are very important to children, so we need to establish them and stick to them. If you set a mealtime or bedtime, these habits should be maintained.

This will help your child know what to expect and what is expected of him during the day.

If your little one doesn’t want to go to sleep, you should still put him to bed and explain to him that if he doesn’t get enough sleep, he will be tired and sleepy tomorrow.

Benefits of setting boundaries for your 2-year-old

When parents set rules and boundaries for a child, they gain a number of benefits, including the following:

• As your child grows, he will learn the importance of following rules. This will be especially important in their teenage and adult years.
• It will teach your children responsibility.

• Your children will know what behaviors and attitudes are expected of them and they will have a better sense of right and wrong.
• By learning to follow rules, your child can develop a positive self-image.

Finally, setting boundaries for 2-year-olds is necessary to achieve obedience and responsibility. Although it may seem complicated, it is vital for your child’s development.

We hope you realize it’s much easier than you thought. Raise your child with love and with boundaries and they will surely thank you as adults for it.