Boundaries Are For Everyone
Books To Help Build Boundaries
By Valeria Alvarez, Bilingual Customer Service Assistant, and Sarah Davis, MLIS, Bilingual Children's Area Supervisor, Martin Regional Library
Boundaries aren’t just for grownups: they’re for kids, too! Boundaries are part of our everyday lives, whether we're setting big boundaries or small ones. For example, a good boundary for kids could be when a child would rather greet relatives by waving hello instead of giving a hug. Another example is when a kid doesn’t want to be called by a certain nickname anymore. Grownups in kids' lives can support kids by respecting their boundaries. Respecting boundaries helps kids feel safe and loved.
Grownups and kids alike can use help knowing how to set healthy boundaries with people in their lives. Picture books are a great way for families to talk about boundaries together. Reading together can guide young readers (and their grownups!) in how to set healthy boundaries with those around them.
A Little Bit of Respect by Claire Alexander is an adorable book about a baby cloud feeling uncomfortable about being called cute. He learns how to set a boundary for himself. Many kids will be able to relate to this book, especially as they grow older and become more independent.
Ask First, Monkey! by Juliet Clare Bell shows how basic consent is a part of our everyday lives. This book is about a monkey who likes to tickle everyone, even if they don't want him to! He learns that just because they laugh while he's tickling them, it doesn't mean they're enjoying it. Sometimes, we forget that other people have different boundaries than our own, and this book is a gentle (and silly!) reminder that we need to be more aware of that.
Squirrel Has Trouble Saying No by Susanna Isern is great for people who struggle saying no. The main character in the book learns that it's okay to set boundaries, especially for yourself, and that your friends should be capable of respecting those boundaries.
