Reese Witherspoon's priceless advice on raising thoughtful kids and teaching them about boundaries

The initial stages of socializing can be challenging for toddlers. While barely any understanding of how to communicate, it is harder for kids to figure out what is good or bad for them. At a stage like this, parents hold their hands and show them how to respond or set boundaries. Yet, the “how” here is crucial, as it forms the approach kids will learn to have toward such situations. Reese Witherspoon, an actress and a mom, shared on TODAY Show how she overcomes scenarios like these. The video shows the actor sharing tips for raising kids to be thoughtful and at the same time, be able to make their choices. 

Witherspoon is a mom to 3 children: 24-year-old Ava Phillipe, 19-year-old Deacon Phillipe and 11-year-old Tennesse James Toth. Having successfully tackled the various stages of parenting, Witherspoon shared in the video how she thinks one can assure their children of assistance and advice in the simplest ways. She began by saying, “I think there’s something really important about kindergarten and preschool-age kids. We don’t realize that they’re learning to pick friends.” Using the example of toddlers learning to make friends, the "Your Place Or Mine" star explained her approach, “You know they come and tell you, ‘So-and-so make me feel like this’ really listen.”

Suggesting how to tackle the situation and communicate in the best way possible, the actress said, “I think it’s okay to say to them, ‘That doesn’t sound like a good friend choice for you.’” Witherspoon then explained using another phrase as an example, “Maybe we shouldn’t play with Susie or Bobby.” She shared that using such terms will let the child know that they have a right to say 'no'. “You are giving them the right to say, 'I don’t want to play house right now. I don’t wanna play school. Can we find something else to play?'” said the mom as she revealed how simple phrases would help build positive communication in the child.

While Witherspoon acknowledged the idea of getting kids to learn to say no politely, she also remarked that it’s just a natural phase in every toddler’s life. Furthermore, leaving advice for parents towards the end of the video, the star said, “Also, don’t worry too much. They’re trying to assimilate. They are trying to fit in. They will grow out of it.” Lastly, she stressed that “they will become individuals by the very things you tell them,” indicating the importance of explaining how to set boundaries to your child. Giving moms a sigh of relief, Witherspoon concluded, “The fact that you’re even thinking about it makes you a good mom.”

The mom, who has created her famous Reese’s Book Club and also made creative books for children, adds more to the motherhood journey with her Hello Sunshine page on social media. Commenters and fellow parents loved the subtle advice given by Witherspoon. @julliawillworkout said, “I’m a preschool teacher and I teach this to my students every day. It’s ok to say no and you do not have to play with someone. Make choices that make you feel happy.” @the_mrs_simanek said, “Creating boundaries is so important! Learning to choose, say no and being kind to not only those around you but to yourself too!”