A world without rules and boundaries is a world of chaos, which is frightening. Children need to know what’s expected of them. They need to know what’s okay, and what’s not. It helps them feel that the world is predictable and safe. Plus, kids need to internalize and get used to hearing the word “no.” That gives them practice at putting on the brakes and stopping themselves. The world, after all, is certainly not going to tell them yes all the time. And they certainly can’t just do whatever they want, whenever they want, without some pretty serious natural consequences.
