Loving Limits: What CCPT and CPRT Teach Us About Boundaries in Parenting
As a parent, you’ve likely faced moments where you ask yourself:
“Am I being too strict?”
“Should I let this go?”
“How do I stop the behavior without hurting the relationship?”
If you’ve ever felt torn between setting boundaries and nurturing connection, Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) offer a gentle yet firm approach that can bring clarity and confidence to your parenting.
At the heart of both CCPT and CPRT is this idea: Children thrive in an environment of freedom within limits.
What Are CCPT and CPRT?
CCPT is a therapeutic approach that allows children to express themselves through play—their natural language—with a therapist who creates a safe, structured, and accepting space.
CPRT is a parent-training model based on CCPT principles. It empowers parents to bring therapeutic play and communication into the home, strengthening attachment and emotional resilience.
Both models teach that limit setting is not about control—it’s about emotional safety and guidance.
The "ACT" Model of Limit Setting in CCPT/CPRT
One of the key tools parents learn in CPRT is the A-C-T model for setting limits. This simple but powerful structure helps you set boundaries while preserving emotional connection:
A – Acknowledge the feeling
C – Communicate the limit
T – Target acceptable alternatives
Let’s break that down:
1. Acknowledge the Feeling
Before addressing the behavior, reflect and validate what your child is feeling. This helps them feel seen and understood.
“You’re really mad right now…”
“It looks like you want to keep playing…”
Validation lowers defensiveness and shows your child that their emotions are not “wrong” or something to be punished.
2. Communicate the Limit
Set the boundary clearly and calmly, without threats or shaming.
“…but the toy is not for throwing.”
“…but it’s not okay to hit.”
The limit is stated simply and respectfully. You’re not scolding—you’re guiding.
3. Target an Acceptable Alternative
Offer your child a way to express themselves or meet their need in an appropriate way.
“You can throw the ball outside instead.”
“You can tell me with your words when you’re mad.”
This empowers your child with choice and teaches emotional regulation.
Why This Model Works
The A-C-T method balances structure and empathy. It allows you to:
Maintain a calm, connected presence during conflict
Avoid power struggles by focusing on guidance instead of control
Model emotional regulation and problem-solving
Over time, children internalize these calm, respectful boundaries and begin to regulate their own behavior more effectively.
Real-Life Example
Scenario: Your preschooler is upset and starts hitting their sibling.
Old Script:
"Stop it right now! That’s not okay! Go to your room!"
A-C-T Script:
A: “You’re really angry your sister took your toy…”
C: “…but your sibling is not for hitting.”
T: “You can use gentle hands.”
You’re still holding the limit—but in a way that teaches, connects, and guides rather than punishes.
The Deeper Message: Limits = Love
When parents set limits from a place of empathy and calm authority, they’re telling their children:
“Your feelings are welcome here. I will keep you safe—even from behaviors that aren’t safe.”
This builds trust, emotional security, and self-discipline.
In CCPT and CPRT, we say that children need freedom to explore and limits to feel secure. Too few limits create chaos. Too many create fear. The sweet spot is warm, firm guidance grounded in connection.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to choose between being kind and being firm. The A-C-T model from CCPT and CPRT shows us that we can do both—and that doing both is what builds strong, emotionally resilient children.
If you’re a parent wanting to deepen your connection with your child while learning effective tools for managing behavior, you’re not alone. Parenting is hard—but it’s also full of opportunities for healing, growth, and joy.
Want to learn more about CPRT or get support in applying these tools at home?
I help parents build stronger bonds with their children while cultivating confidence in their parenting choices.
📞 Call me at 336-600-4455 or 📧 email lauren@climbinghillscounseling.com to learn how I can help.
