Dynamic
Some limits are constant from year to year. Expecting children to play peacefully with others is a reasonable limit at any age, whether the child is 8 or 16. Other limits, though, should be changed, as children grow older. “Stay in the yard when you play” and “You may only drive with a parent in the car” may be quite reasonable at one age and become outdated in a few years. At some point, a child can leave the yard, ride a bike in front of the house, and eventually explore the neighborhood. A 16 year old can eventually drive alone and then later with friends. A 14 year old may not be allowed to go on a car date, but her 16-year-old sister has no such restriction. Knowing when to make these changes and explaining them to children can be a difficult challenge.
❦ Change limits to adapt to changes in the child's age
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