14. Boundary Lines and Blurred Realities: Who Are We Really Protecting?

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“A line imposed not to be crossed or pushed against.”
That’s how we often define a boundary—a clear rule, a firm expectation.

But here’s the irony I’ve come to realise:
The ones who shout loudest about boundaries are often the very ones who can’t seem to stay within them.

As parents, teachers, and so-called “grown-ups,” we draw these lines in the sand.
We say they’re for protection—“for the child’s own good.”
But what if they’re not?
What if the boundaries we create are less about safeguarding them… and more about shielding ourselves?

Because here’s the truth that no one wants to admit:
Kids today don’t follow rules just because we told them too.
They don’t sit neatly within the lines drawn for them.
They question, they push back, they rebel—and they’re right to.
Because what authority do we really hold when the world around them rewards rebellion and ignores consequence?

The power of a boundary only lasts as long as the person inside it chooses to respect it.
And in a society that constantly teaches “do what you want” and “rules are flexible,”
how can we expect our children to learn restraint, accountability, or discipline?

We say, “Stay in line.”
They ask, “Why? And what happens if I don’t?”

Maybe instead of building fences, we need to start building understanding.
Talking about why boundaries exist.
Explaining cause and effect.
Teaching real accountability—not just obedience.

A child who understands the why is far more powerful than a child who simply follows the what.

So the next time we draw a line, let’s ask ourselves:
Is this truly for their benefit… or for our comfort?

And then, let’s do the hard thing—
Have the conversation.
Not the command.