Content: Discuss how boundaries can be clarified during a crisis (safety versus flexibility) within the caregiver’s roles and responsibilities.
Note to the trainer: Ensure that participants do not confuse “compassion” with “lack of boundaries”. Explain that boundaries provide a safe space for the child.
Method: Questions and answers.
Materials: Whiteboard.
1. Explaining the golden rule: The trainer presents the philosophy of setting boundaries:
“As caregivers, we should remember two rules during crises: the Power of the Pause and the principle ‘Allow the Emotion, Set a Limit on the Behaviour’. Our basic rule is this: all emotions are normal, but not every behaviour can be permitted.”
2. Questions-and-answers exercise: Ask participants to practise the following pattern:
“I understand that you are very ……….[Emotion] right now, but I cannot allow …………….[Behaviour].” Ask participants to construct sentences using this pattern (for example: “I understand that you are very angry right now, but I cannot allow you to hit your friend.”).