In the context of a general crisis of authority at the political, social and familial levels, it seems all the more crucial to question the psychic function of authority in the psycho-affective development of children and adolescents. To ensure that authority does not turn into authoritarianism and arbitrary power, it is necessary to clarify beforehand the distinction between organizational and disorganizational interdicts. The positive role of the interdict is to link avid, violent and sexual drive desires with the fear of losing the love of others and the encounter with reality. In this regard, we will examine the construction of the intrapsychic, social and legal prohibitions, from childhood to adulthood, highlighting the conflicts that can arise at each stage of this development. We will then take a look at some typical difficulties that parents live relating to authority and limits and present some ways to address them in clinic.