Make clear, concise boundaries for all.
What happens if you’re late to a business meeting? Run a red light? Fail to pay for your morning coffee?
Rules and expectations are important. They help establish the do’s and don’ts for society and help things run smoothly. But rules are not automatically known; they must be created and learned. That’s where parents come in.
If young people are not taught early on that there are rules they must follow, they think they can do anything they want at any time. And, while we may like the freedom to make choices, having boundaries to follow—and expectations to live up to—can make life easier for everyone.
Make sure everyone—not just the children—is following the same rules. As adult we should model the behaviors we hope to see in our kids and should strive to meet and exceed the expectations of our kids. Be fair. Be consistent. Be clear. And most importantly – be there!