12/28/2025
Children often push limits with the people they feel safest with. This is not about being difficult or disrespectful. It is about trust.
Many children hold themselves together all day in school or other settings. When they get home to a safe adult, the pressure drops. Big feelings come out. Boundaries get tested. Behaviour can look worse, not because the relationship is weak, but because it is strong.
Pushing limits helps children learn where boundaries are. Strong reactions often mean the nervous system is finally able to relax. Testing adults helps children check that relationships stay steady, even when behaviour is hard.
This perspective is especially important for children who have experienced stress or trauma. Calm, predictable responses and clear boundaries help children feel safe, regulated and supported over time. Strong boundaries and strong relationships grow together.
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