Predictability can be helpful to kids with anxiety. Boundaries, which are limits set by parents, can create predictability in daily life. If you notice signs of anxiety in teenagers or children in your family, creating or reinforcing boundaries may help. To do so effectively, follow these five tips.
1. Establish Expectations
The most important step in establishing boundaries is to make your expectations clear. Even the most obedient children can’t follow the rules if they don’t know what they are.
When setting expectations, make sure they’re realistic. Otherwise, you’ll set your children up for failure, which can breed resentment. To create realistic expectations, try the following:
- Consider the child’s age.
- Don’t compare kids’ capabilities but instead focus on each child individually.
- Listen to your kids if they have questions or concerns about a boundary.
2. Create a Schedule
Getting distracted is among the most common 6 year old ADHD symptoms. While frustrating, it’s crucial to remember that neurodivergent kids don’t get off-task on purpose — their nervous system just doesn’t focus the same way a neurotypical person’s does.
One strategy to keep kids on-task is to create a schedule. Routine is good for all children, as it nurtures a sense of stability. If kids know what activity comes next in the day, they can course-correct when gently reminded to follow the routine.
3. Communicate Rules Effectively
Part of setting boundaries is telling your kids what will happen if they don’t follow the rules. For instance, if your children don’t put their tablets away when asked, they don’t get screen time the next day. Articulating these expectations ensures kids know what is at stake if they cross a boundary.
Make sure you speak to your children at their level so they understand why household rules exist. Teenagers are better able to understand complex explanations for rules, while little kids need simplified versions. Explaining the reasons behind the rules gives children context for boundaries and helps them create their own in the future.
4. Follow Through With Consequences
Once you set that expectation, you must adhere to it. If kids break the rules and there are no consequences, they’ll learn to push boundaries to get their own way.
When assigning consequences, ensure they’re appropriate for the circumstances. For example, if children track mud into the house even though they know to take off their shoes at the door, cleaning up the mud or not going outside again until the ground is dry may be an appropriate consequence. In contrast, taking away all television privileges for a week is going overboard.
5. Phrase Boundaries in a Positive Way
Kids can be very sensitive to negativity; hearing “no” all day can make them feel like they can’t do anything right. Instead, try to phrase boundaries in a positive way. For instance, instead of telling kids they can’t play until they finish their dinner, parents can say, “You can play once you finish dinner.”
With the help of consistent boundaries and over the counter ADHD medication for child to alleviate symptoms, parents can successfully help their kids find balance. The process is ongoing, so don’t hesitate to adjust your approach as your children grow, and circumstances change.
