Video: Little girl teaches us about boundaries
Why do we stop our kids from creating safe and healthy boundaries when playing with other kids? There's nothing wrong with owning and commanding your space.
How often do we tell our kids to share when they say 'no' to sharing when playing with other kids?
Have we ever acknowledged that we encourage them not to create healthy boundaries from an early age by stopping them from owning their space?
We're no experts, but this sounds a lot like transporting one generation's trauma or baggage into the next. We were taught that sharing is caring, and to some extent, that is true, but we also teach our kids about playing independently.
Wouldn't you say it is contradictory to encourage independent play and then punish the child for not being open to sharing?
It's a topic that deserves much thought and consideration as a parent. It is also something that should fall in line with your parenting style. And let's face it: when you choose to parent a certain way, you have to be open to some frowns from others because that's our world.
Raising a child is not a black-and-white situation; there is no absolute. Each situation is different, but you are on the right track if you encourage a child to create a safe boundary.
According to an article in ChildMind.org, empathy and self-awareness play significant roles in teaching kids how to set healthy boundaries.
“Boundaries are essentially about understanding and respecting our own needs, and being respectful and understanding of the needs of others,” explains Stephanie Dowd, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, “and for that to work, we need to be putting a big emphasis on helping kids develop greater empathy and self-awareness.” (ChildMind.org)
We are not the only ones; a mother shared a video of her little girl playing at a themed play area, acting like she was shopping. The little girl had her shopping cart and was excited to start shopping in the pretend grocery store.
Just as the little girl started shopping, another child approached her and asked if she could use her shopping cart. The little girl politely said "No" and directed her to where she could get her own shopping cart.
We thought her approach was respectful and mature for a child her age, inspiring us as adults to learn from her.
Watch the video below - courtesy of Instagram.
Tune in to the 'Workzone with Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp', weekdays from 09:00 - 12:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Image Courtesy of Instagram