Boundaries: Awakening the Power of Choice
Boundaries: Awakening to the Power of Choice
Serina Brown
Liberty University
Abstract
What constitutes the power of choice? The power of choice has been given to everyone to decide right from wrong. All around the world boundaries have been set up to aid individuals in making decisions. As Christians we were given the word of God to guide and direct, it clearly gives boundaries to sin and consequences that result when it is not obeyed. Using the bible as a source of example, it reflects the importance of boundaries. Children need boundaries to help them understand what is required of them. They need help to understand that they have the power to choose, but there are consequences to every choice. In Psalm 119:37 (NIV), the Psalmist cries out “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” Parents and Caregivers have been given stewardship over every child. It is their responsibility to turn their eyes away from what is worthless and onto what is right. This paper is designed to help the reader gain a deeper understanding of boundaries. It is set to define boundaries and look at the necessity for them. It will also look at family systems as a whole and different subsystems that affect proper function of boundaries within a family unit. It will also examine other specific structures such as divorce and low income mothers. While examining these structures it will look at issues that each family structure comes up against and make suggestions on how to institute boundaries. Although, there are many benefits to setting clear boundaries this paper is meant to add more thought.
Lack of Boundaries can be a source of frustration and at times hopelessness for parents and caregivers. This frustration moves across all economic lines. The lack of obedience and understanding from the child can come due to no limits or unclear expectations.
Serina Brown
Liberty University
Abstract
What constitutes the power of choice? The power of choice has been given to everyone to decide right from wrong. All around the world boundaries have been set up to aid individuals in making decisions. As Christians we were given the word of God to guide and direct, it clearly gives boundaries to sin and consequences that result when it is not obeyed. Using the bible as a source of example, it reflects the importance of boundaries. Children need boundaries to help them understand what is required of them. They need help to understand that they have the power to choose, but there are consequences to every choice. In Psalm 119:37 (NIV), the Psalmist cries out “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” Parents and Caregivers have been given stewardship over every child. It is their responsibility to turn their eyes away from what is worthless and onto what is right. This paper is designed to help the reader gain a deeper understanding of boundaries. It is set to define boundaries and look at the necessity for them. It will also look at family systems as a whole and different subsystems that affect proper function of boundaries within a family unit. It will also examine other specific structures such as divorce and low income mothers. While examining these structures it will look at issues that each family structure comes up against and make suggestions on how to institute boundaries. Although, there are many benefits to setting clear boundaries this paper is meant to add more thought.
Lack of Boundaries can be a source of frustration and at times hopelessness for parents and caregivers. This frustration moves across all economic lines. The lack of obedience and understanding from the child can come due to no limits or unclear expectations.
References: Clinton, T & Ohlschlager, G (2002), Competent Christian Counseling: Foundations & Practice of Compassionate Soul Care Cloud, H., & Townsend, J. (1998). Boundaries with kids. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Lindahl, K. M., Bregman, H. R., & Malik, N. M. (2012). Family boundary structures and child adjustment: The indirect role of emotional reactivity Peris, T. S., & Emery, R. E. (2005). Redefining the parent-child relationship following divorce: Examining the risk for boundary dissolution Sano, Y., Manoogian, M. M., & Ontai, L. L. (2011). "The kids come first": Creating family stability during partnership instability in rural low-income families