How to set a strong boundary to stop your kid running away from you on the street, according to psychologist Dr Becky

Slim middle-aged woman with brown hair in beige sportswear walking on sidewalk with her little boy with short brown hair in blue tracksuit holding hands and smiling.

So many parents struggle to set boundaries because they want their kids to be happy, but having clear limits gives your child physical and emotional security. 

When you’re struggling with a child who won’t listen and won’t do as you ask, empty threats are often fired in their direction, hoping that those bold claims - like taking away their iPad for a week or cancelling a playdate - will eventually enforce change. It’s rarely the case though, as kids will soon catch on when they realise your words don’t have weight, and the cycle continues, leaving you questioning, should we just let kids do what they want?