To be honest I do not know if I have ever thought specifically of what I am doing to teach this to my children. I instill every day elements of respect and manners with the children. I try to correct on the spot behavior issues that are violations of personal space and boundaries, such as interrupting adults when they are talking, or climbing all over people. I think these are things that are taught by constant repetition and demonstration, and best taught in the moment. Since a preschooler has no general concept about personal space and boundaries, they have to be shown. And of course one of the best ways to do that is to make them think about how they feel when someone invades their personal space or breaks boundaries that make them uncomfortable.

Such an important topic to discuss and teach your children! What works for some may not work for others! Everyone deserves to have their own personal space and feel comfortable in it! But this is something that is so hard when you have two children almost five years apart! Isabella wants to do absolutely everything Christian does, play with everything he has and follow him around constantly. Talk about personal space and boundaries… Going through this the last few months has been an ongoing lesson for all of us. I enforce respect, space and effort.

Respecting each other is important in any relationship you will have! When you’re talking about kids, they don’t see it the same way! It takes a lot of time and patience for them to get along and understand each other. Both of my kids are changing and growing so much that it’s going to be an ongoing task as they continue to grow!

Everyone needs their own space. Believe me, this Mama understands the importance of S P A C E. Once the kids are in bed, household tasks are done, and lunches are packed, I thrive for alone time in my own little space doing whatever I want J I want to teach this to my kids as well! I encourage them playing together and interacting with other kids, but it’s also important that they know how to play by themselves and entertain themselves, and that’s okay!

It takes an effort from Mommy, Daddy and siblings to maintain and respect each others personal space and boundaries. When kids are really young they don’t understand it, but it’s important to start teaching and making them aware at a young age so they develop this by school age.

My name is Kristen from The Mrs. & The Momma. I’m the momma of 4 kids ages 2-7. How To Teach Preschoolers Personal Space and Boundaries:

In Tina Fey’s book “Bossy Pants” she says something to the effect of “some one who can barge in on you when you’re on the toilet is the BOSS of you.” In context, it’s hilarious because we all can relate to our kids (especially the little ones) not knowing anything about privacy or respecting boundaries. This is something we’re currently dealing with our children. I think back to my childhood and I NEVER went in my parents’ room without knocking, much less barge in when they were doing their bathroom business. So I think modeling respectful behavior is key with little ones….knocking on bedroom doors before entering, being a good example of modesty, and always looking for those teaching moments for them to learn and use manners. Besides that, I think once kids get to school-age, the personal space comfort level becomes instinctual, however we all know some one who could use a few more lessons on that, right? (side eye close talker) Giving children opportunities learn and put into practice these kind of “social rules” are necessary in their growth and development…and are good reminders for us parents