When Parenting Boundaries Go Too Far

Recently I wrote an article called Boundaries and Love.
 I have received several comments in regards to when boundaries go too far.
 It is difficult as parents to know where to draw the line.
 Therefore I encourage parents to be involved with other parents in small groups and openly share about your personal experiences.

 Church groups, ballpark parents, and school friend parents are great avenues to share with one another.

  Remembering that each child is different is key to setting appropriate boundaries for your child. For example, boundaries for a strong willed child may have to be enforced more severely than for a very passive child. However, because the child is strong willed, one may be tempted to go to far and loose control.
 Instead of succumbing to the temptation to strike or yell obscenities at your child walk away, catch your breath, call for back up, or just get help.  Surrounding yourself with other parents or family members who know your child can greatly reduce the stress of feeling like the child is "out to get you.
" When a good aunt or grandparent backs up your decision of a certain boundary your child does not agree with, the child begins to see the reason behind it.

 Sometimes another adult can explain in a different way the reason behind why the boundary was set.

 Another adult may also be able to understand why the child is struggling with that particular boundary and be able to share a compromise.  By all means, if setting these boundaries causes you as a parent to feel like you are out of control and you just might loose it with a child, call for back up.
 Nobody said parenting was an easy job.
 In fact it may be one of the most difficult jobs on the planet. But the rewards of seeing a healthy young adult making good healthy decisions and loving his/her parents are worth the struggle in the end.