This 4-year-old sweetly sings a song about boundaries — but her toddler sister walked all over it

When it comes to teaching young children about boundaries, sometimes the best lessons come from home. In Austin, Texas, a mom named Autumn Barron recently shared a heartwarming Instagram parenting video showing her four-year-old daughter Norah teaching her toddler sister Audrey about personal space. Norah, who learned about boundaries from her mom using simple, age-appropriate language, decided to pass on these lessons by singing 'The Setting Boundaries Song'.

In the video, both girls wear matching pink dresses. Norah sits in a chair and sings, “Please stop. I don't like that, I'm feeling uncomfortable, I need more space. Don't take it personally. It's just a boundary.” While Norah sings, Audrey dances around her, not really taking in the meaning yet. When her little sister keeps on dancing, Norah, a bit frustrated, says, “She’s not listening to me. That is a boundary!”

Their mom explained to Newsweek that the song is designed to give kids clear words to express their feelings when someone is in their space. Written by Hopscotch Songs in 2023, it was inspired by experiences where children often don’t have the words to set limits, for example, being tickled when they don’t want to be. The creators wanted a tool for kids to say what they need in a kind but firm way, and to show that asking for space isn’t about rejecting others, but about self-respect, as reported by Newsweek. 

Autumn says she wants her daughters to know from a young age that their voices matter and that respecting boundaries, both their own and other people’s, is important in life. These are skills that will help in friendships, family relationships, and everyday life. The video quickly got attention and lots of comments, with viewers finding both humor and meaning in the sisters’ interaction. @heathakrause wrote, “Dancing all over that boundary,” noticing Audrey’s enthusiasm for dancing rather than for the lesson. @wanderlust3.14 joked, “Maybe if I start singing it at work, they’ll consider my boundaries ‘less aggressive’ and start to respect them. Thank, kiddo.” Another user, @diyahh, also chimed in: “Not her dancing all over her boundaries."

Others found the moment sweet, with one noting, “Lil sis is like, ‘Wow, what a bop!’” It’s clear that while Audrey hasn’t started singing yet, with family support and an engaged big sister, she soon will.

Teaching children about boundaries from an early age is supported by research in child development. Experts like Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Ross Greene emphasize that clear, consistent boundaries help children develop emotional regulation, self-control, and stronger relationships. Studies on authoritative parenting, which balances warmth with firm guidance, show that children raised with healthy boundaries tend to be more confident, independent, and socially skilled. In the case of Norah and Audrey, their mom’s efforts to start these conversations early are laying a foundation for lifelong skills. By turning a simple song into a teaching moment, she’s not only promoting body autonomy and consent at home but also reinforcing what experts worldwide agree on.

For more videos like this, you can follow @honestlyautumn_ on Instagram.