4 Ways to Set Healthy Family Boundaries - From Our Family Therapists
/Thanksgiving is about a week away, which marks the beginning of the holiday season and the inevitable family get-togethers. Being around family is a wonderful way to celebrate, but these reunions can be stressful and dysfunctional without clear-cut boundaries in place.
It is important to take the time to establish and respect boundaries within your family, as this will help build a healthy dynamic.
Here are 4 tips to set healthy family boundaries:
1. Identify and communicate your boundaries in advance.
Be direct and clear when expressing what your boundaries are and why they are important to you. This gives your family time to process this information and better respect your needs.
2. Practice being assertive while also being kind.
If someone oversteps your boundaries, you can firmly remind them of your threshold without being confrontational. Your family is more likely to respect your boundaries when you set them in a friendly way.
3. Take a step back when you need to.
When someone crosses the line, remember you have the option to remove yourself from the situation. If confronting or arguing with them is not going to be constructive, do not be afraid to walk away.
4. In the event your boundaries are not respected, prepare your coping skills in advance.
It is better to think up strategies ahead of time and not need them, then to wish you had them later. Coping strategies include going for a walk, taking deep breaths, playing with your pet, and listening to your favorite music.
