Session 4
Set limits to the child’s behavior in
a positive way and offer step-by-
step support to accomplish a task
Introduction
This session focuses on how
parents can support,
influence, and regulate their
child's behavior in a positive
way.
In ICDP, this is known as the
3
Introduction
Children need to learn social
norms and values to
understand what is allowed
and not allowed, and the
reasons behind these norms.
Introduction
Predictable boundaries and
norms help children feel safe
and secure.
Introduction
Supporting and guiding
children’s activities will help
them develop a sense of
mastery and confidence to
make plans and carry out
activities independently.
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
Identify the importance of having clear norms for
behavior and why parents need to set limits in a positive
way.
Explain how to provide “enough” support and guidance
for the child’s activities and interests.
Share experiences related to positive limit setting and
step-by-step planning
Expected Behavioral Change
Participants will be expected
to:
Set limits in a positive
way with their children.
Support the child to
plan and achieve a task
through step-by-step
guidance.
l a y i n g
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R
Scenario:
An adolescent comes
home late from a party.
Discussion/Process Questions
How did you feel about the role play?
What did you observe? What were the gestures of the adult? How did
they speak?
What were the reactions and responses of the child?
How was the interaction?
Remember!
Children need
boundaries but
will challenge
them. Positive
limit setting helps
children feel
secure.
Remember!
Clear boundaries
and predictable
norms at home
foster safety and
security.
Remember!
Avoid negative or
aggressive
language when
setting limits;
instead, use
dialogue in a
welcoming and
respectful
manner.
Remember!
Involving children,
especially
adolescents, in
discussing and
agreeing on rules
helps them take
responsibility for
their behavior.
Remember!
For adolescents, parents
should respond calmly and
encourage critical thinking
about their behaviors,
appealing to their sense of
justice, empathy, and
awareness of others.
Remember!
Regular family
meetings can help
establish shared
norms and values,
teaching children
accountability when
agreements are
broken
8
a
l a y i n g
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R
Scenario:
A parent supports their
child in completing a
school project.
Discussion/Process Questions
How did you feel about the role play?
What did you observe? What were the gestures of the adult? How did
they speak?
What were the reactions and responses of the child?
How was the interaction?
Remember!
Children need support to
achieve goals, learn new
skills, and become
independent.
Remember!
Graduated Support
(Scaffolding): Provide
support when needed
but gradually withdraw it
as the child becomes
more capable.
Remember!
Over-supporting can
hinder confidence, while
under-supporting may
lead to frustration.
Remember!
Use step-by-step
guidance to build
confidence,
independence, and
happiness in children.
Remember!
Activities like learning to
ride a bike or planning a
picnic illustrate how
scaffolding works.
8
a
Key Learning Messages
Stay calm before setting limits
with your child.
Predictable norms and routines
provide safety and help children
understand behavioral
expectations.
Graduated support ensures
children feel independent and
Key Learning Messages
Step-by-step guidance builds
confidence and planning skills.
Practice all 8 guidelines to
strengthen parent-child
relationships and support
children’s development.
Assignment
1. Reflect on how you set limits and
practice involving your children in
the process to gain their
agreement and understanding.
2. Support your child step-by-step in
completing an activity or
achieving a goal.
Thank
You