Ultimately, boundaries make children feel safe. From a child's perspective, life is unpredictable and sometimes overwhelming. When we set limits, children understand what is expected of them socially, emotionally and physically. When children are conditioned to behave properly, this behavior eventually becomes automatic and natural. In the long run, your discipline will pay off. Your children will learn what is expected of them and act accordingly. The best time to start setting boundaries is when children are at least two, three or four years old. Your boundaries should include simple instructions about safety (such as "look both ways before you cross the street") and guidelines for proper behavior. As toddlers, children can be taught to control their temper, not to throw things, to share their toys, take turns, and so forth.

All children yearn to feel safe. They want to know what's expected of them. When we set boundaries, we enable our children to be happy, emotionally stable and well adjusted. Like Charlie in the movie, our children will have the best possible start in life when we set boundaries and enforce them.

About the Author

Nicky Vanvalkenburgh writes about practical coping strategies for empowered living. Check out her website at http://www.20minutestolessstress.com/