It is the individual that is valuable, regardless of the group he may come from. It's clear that before children can think well of others they must think well of themselves. So, in order to raise cooperative, responsible children, parents have to provide them with the chance to acquire positive ideas about themselves. Setting standards of behaviour for children provides them with the means to measure how well they are doing, in addition to teaching them what's safe and proper to do. Limits also tell youngsters how other people will judge their behaviour.
Limits can serve as road signs to guide children.
For example, if Peggy, age three, is supposed to stay on the sidewalk and does it, she knows she can take care of herself. If Billy, age six, is supposed to hang up his clothes and does it, he knows he's competent and successful. Living up to parental expectations gives children the reassuring sense that their world is predictable, and that they are competent to move in it. However, parents must clearly define and enforce limits on children's behaviour. Limits must be reasonable, based on the child's age, and must be understood by the child.