Setting boundaries is something that we have to do as parents. 

It might not come easily or sit comfortably with you, but it has to be done.

Your child needs to know that you are in charge. By giving them unconditional love as well as clear boundaries you will, through your actions, help your child to feel safe and secure.

Setting boundaries needs to happen at around the time that your children start to walk. Starting early will help you to master the skill in time for the ‘testing twos’. Trying to negotiate or persuade your child and giving in to their demands will make your children feel emotionally unsafe, whereas saying 'no' firmly and calmly when appropriate will have the opposite effect and will in fact reassure your child.

We all need boundaries; it’s a fact of life. While harsh discipline will hinder socialisation in our little ones, a clear 'no' will help a child to develop socially and morally. Not addressing bad behaviour firmly and calmly will teach a child that it is acceptable to damage things and hurt others.

Your body language is crucial to getting your message across - avoid using anger or sending emotional messages. It is easy to fall into the habit of name-calling, though this can be so damaging.

State how your child has overstepped the boundary and encourage them to tell you and show you how they should behave. If this happens give them praise and move on to do something positive. Have an immediate consequence if your child does not do the right thing. Don’t negotiate and, whatever you say, see it through no matter how much your child protests.

Remember you are in charge of moulding good citizens of the future!

See www.parentandbabycoach.co.uk