Swim coach’s viral video shows the perfect way to set boundaries with young children

A heartwarming video making waves across social media demonstrates exactly how to handle one of parenting’s more delicate moments: teaching young children about appropriate physical boundaries. The clip, which has garnered widespread attention on Reddit’s r/MadeMeSmile, features swim coach Jacob Siegel of Superhero Swim Academy expertly navigating a tender interaction with a toddler student.

Teaching boundaries to children
byu/alucard_axel inMadeMeSmile

A masterclass in boundaries and redirection 

In the video, we see a beaming toddler named Mila, fresh from what appears to be a successful swim lesson, expressing her affection for her coach. When she goes in for a hug, Siegel responds warmly: “Thank you, Mila. I love Mila hugs!” However, when she attempts to give him a kiss, he gracefully creates a teaching moment.

“No, no kissy. No kissy ’cause I’m coach. You only kiss Mommy and Daddy, okay?” Siegel explains gently. Seeing Mila’s initial disappointment, he immediately offers an alternative: “Okay, hey! High five!” The redirection works perfectly, turning what could have been an awkward or upsetting moment into a positive learning experience.

Related: Dad’s viral Reddit post reveals why setting boundaries to protect kids—even from toxic family dynamics—is so hard

The importance of early boundary setting 

For many parents and childcare professionals, the video resonates deeply because it demonstrates how to maintain warmth while establishing crucial boundaries. “Creating and expressing those boundaries to children is crucial because they don’t know what’s appropriate or not,” noted @One-Guest1998.

@moodymadam praised Siegel’s approach to redirection: “I love how he gave her the boundary, but provided her with an acceptable choice (high five). It helps frame what is appropriate and what isn’t with people in similar roles.”

Beyond boundaries: A glimpse at exceptional teaching 

What makes the video particularly remarkable is how it captures multiple aspects of skilled childcare. Not only does Siegel handle the boundary-setting moment with grace, but seeing such a young swimmer navigate the water with such confidence and joy is a testament to his exceptional teaching abilities. It’s clear that his talent extends far beyond just teaching water safety—he’s helping shape well-rounded, confident little humans.

“We need more people like this man to teach our daughters about the world when we aren’t around,” shared @Lucky_Life5517 in the comments. Another childcare professional, @ephemeralcitrus, added, “So sweet… I sometimes have young clients who want to give kisses and it’s so cute but you do have to tell them ‘no’ because it’s an important boundary to learn. Not everyone wants kisses!”

The viral moment serves as a powerful reminder that teaching children about boundaries doesn’t have to be awkward or negative. When handled with care and understanding, these early lessons help lay the groundwork for healthy relationships and social understanding—sometimes with nothing more than a smile and a high five.

Related: Viral Reddit: “I just asked another parent for a play date, and it feels worse than dating.”