It’s not only important to set goals for your child, but to set limits. Otherwise your child will feel frustrated whenever anything doesn’t go his way and stomp off.  He will have trouble adapting to new situations, or exercising self-discipline and self-regulation—two very important traits in successful people.

Delaying gratification is an indicator for future success. If you fulfill your child’s requests or give him everything he wants instantly he will have a low threshold for frustration and not develop the patience and determination necessary to persevere. It will be difficult for him to cope with any limits, not just yours, and to work with outside rules and authority figures.

Try This At Home: Make sure to keep any limits you set. Encourage your child to go on plenty of playdates and outings to other people’s houses to expose him to a variety of rules and expectations. Then use the experience to reinforce the values you want to instill at home. Compliment him when he’s respected a new rule or routine, so he can feel a sense of mastery.