What Is a Boundary Setting?

A boundary setting is an intervention that creates structure at home or at school. The structure that is created helps children manage their own behavior in a safe and clearly defined manner. The needs of the child create the structure, which, in turn, creates the boundary. Boundary setting may produce the following outcomes:

• Creates consistent, clear, concise, and realistic expectations for the child.
• Familiarizes a child with the setting and makes her feel more secure.
• Reduces behavior problems caused by unstructured settings.

Example: Suzie

Suzie is a first grader in a class of 20. When working, the students are seated four to a table. Suzie has difficulty remaining seated with her feet on the floor. At times she lies across the table, the floor, or her chair; she often leaves her seat without permission: and she frequently touches or plays with other children’s belongings or materials.

Suzie’s teacher provided Suzie with strategies to help her stay in her seat with her hands and feet within her own space. Suzie was given a picture of herself sitting in her chair, her hands in her lap, feet on the floor. The picture was taped to the table to provide Suzie with a visual reminder of classroom expectations. Suzie’s teacher praised her whenever she observed Suzie sitting quietly in her chair, with hands in her lap and feet on floor. Soon, Suzie began to do a better job of staying in her seat and showed a greater respect for her classmates’ belongings.

Another strategy involved using colored tape to mark off Suzie’s personal space. The tape provided a visual cue of where Suzie was supposed to sit. Suzie learned she could not cross this "boundary," thereby learning to stay within her personal space.