My essay is an attempt to describe how complicated it can be to follow the rules and maintain boundaries without obstructing the children in their creative development. The aim is to highlight my approach and emphasize the importance of growing up in a kindergarten with standards and values which may not always coincide with their own opinion.

I begin my essay with two stories about Emil five years, defying the rule of not climb up the climbing frame roof and Emma for three years, who are keen to spin on the swing, but followour rule and refrain. I wonder what it is that drives some kids to go against the rules and stretch the limits while others do not have any problem doing that we decided? I also tell about the time I as a newly-qualified nanny was rebuked by a colleague when I acted "recklessly". I would handle the situation differently today? In the last story, I praise a child for being "mischievous", which makes me proud. Can a "mischievous" child also experienced positive? Another issue that is relevant to my dilemma is if we educators must always be consistent or is it arbitrary to make exceptions?

To understand my dilemma, I have used a phenomenological method, which means that I, along with the preschool curriculum, relevant literature and personal experience can understand my thoughts and actions from multiple perspectives. That way, I have gained a greater understanding of how crucial preschool standards and my response is for the children's development and self-reliance. Both in terms of rules and boundaries. Being a responsive educator with the ability to take the children's perspective makes it easier to convey a message without violating someone's privacy.