3.3y–5y10 minFamily timeQuiet timeSocial play
Boundary Builder: What and Why
A short talk-and-role-play routine where you and your child name a few simple boundaries, explore why they exist, and practise using calm reminder phrases so boundaries feel meaningful rather than arbitrary.
What you'll need
Essentials
- paper
- pen/pencil
- 2–3 household objects for role-play (toy, cup, cushion)
Nice to have
- tape (to stick a boundary sign)
- a simple 'stop' symbol you draw (circle with a line)
Movement level: low
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
What it practices
- Beginning to be able to negotiate and solve problems without aggression, e.g. when someone has taken their toy.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Understands that own actions affect other people, for example, becomes upset or tries to comfort another child when they realise they have upset them.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Aware of the boundaries set, and of behavioural expectations in the setting.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Ensure that children have opportunities to identify and discuss boundaries, so that they understand why they are there and what they are intended to achieve.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)