A child may become angry, disappointed or upset when they hear a limit. For a parent who wants a close relationship, that reaction can create intense guilt.

Tolerating the fact that your child will not always be pleased with you is part of parenting. A relationship does not need to depend on preventing every experience of disappointment.

This does not mean rigid rules without dialogue. Boundaries can be steady while still allowing room for the child’s feelings.

Parent counselling can help a parent distinguish genuine responsibility from guilt that appears simply because a limit had to be set.