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Using Compassion and Empathy to Set Boundaries with Young Children
Dec 15th, 2022

As a parent, it is important to set boundaries for your child. Boundaries provide structure and guidance for a child, teaching them how to behave in certain situations. But setting boundaries can be tricky, especially when it comes to young children. That’s why using compassion and empathy to set boundaries is essential. Read on to learn more about the steps to set effective boundaries with young children using compassion and empathy. 

Decide Quickly

When you need to set a boundary with your child, it’s best to decide quickly. This will help you keep the situation from escalating, as well as prevent your own frustration from growing as the situation continues. It is also helpful if you can anticipate potential boundary issues before they arise, allowing you to plan ahead so that when the time comes, you can act quickly and confidently with your child.

Make a Statement Regarding the Situation 

Once you have decided that a boundary needs to be established, make sure that your statement regarding the boundary you are setting is clear, concise, and confident. It is important that your child fully understands what behavior or action needs to change in order for them to cooperate with the established boundary. When your child expresses their emotions or opinions about a boundary, it’s important that you listen and respond in an understanding way. 

Empathize & Validate Your Child’s Response 

Once you have made a statement regarding the situation, empathize and validate your child’s response to the boundary – even if their reaction is negative or defiant. Acknowledge their feelings without judgment; this will help them feel seen and heard which will lead them towards understanding why the boundary has been established in the first place. Acknowledge their feelings by repeating what they said back to them (“I understand that you feel angry that I asked you to turn off the iPad”) so they know their feelings are being heard.

Allow Processing Time 

After empathizing with your child’s response, give them some time (or space) for processing what has just happened before moving on from the situation completely. This allows them time to think about their actions and helps create an atmosphere of understanding rather than punishment or judgment.  

Be Ready To Move On 

Finally, be ready to move on once they have had time for processing their emotions around this particular incident or conversation involving boundaries – even if they are still upset or disagreeing with you at this point. You don’t need their approval; simply be aware that they may still need some time after these conversations before they can move forward again without resenting having been told no in order for a boundary to remain intact.  

When to Seek Additional Help and Support

If a child’s anger is often too big and it is affecting friendships and impacting school, you may want to seek help from a behavior consultant or mental health professional to work on teaching how to tolerate frustration and develop coping skills. 

With patience and practice, parents can learn how to effectively use compassion and empathy when setting boundaries with young children – a skill which will benefit both parent and child alike in many different ways! Not only does it allow parents an opportunity of teaching children self-regulation skills but also helps promote trust between both parties. This creates an environment of mutual respect within families where communication is open and honest, yet firm enough that needed boundaries are respected and maintained by all involved parties – both adults & children alike! Ultimately this helps to create positive relationships built upon understanding and respect that last well into adulthood!

Visit kghautismservices.com to learn more about how we can support you and your child.

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