Learning how to say no is one of the keys to setting healthy boundaries with your family.
Even though we love and cherish the opinion of those closest to us, it’s important that we know how to stand up for ourselves.
Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to set boundaries that work. And what’s more, family relationships can be the most challenging puzzles to solve.
But there are ways to achieve this goal and reap benefits from your actions for years to come.
Here’s more on setting healthy boundaries with your family.
What Are Healthy Boundaries?
The term healthy boundaries refers to limits you set up with other people. These parameters help govern the things you will and will not do for (or with) a person.
When relied upon, healthy boundaries allow you to say yes or no to people in your life. They serve as a filter that you use to weigh decisions and maintain inner peace.
When a person does not have healthy boundaries, they are prone to engaging in activities they know are bad for them, spiraling and sabotaging their own actions. They may not have the self-esteem or confidence to stand up for themselves, which can weigh them down.
In the next sections, we’ll look at five key areas you need to address when setting boundaries with your family.
Love Yourself Enough To Make The Choice
It seems almost like a formality or even cliche, but setting healthy boundaries is impossible if you can’t love yourself.
How you view yourself and your beliefs about what you deserve from others (especially family members) is key. Without this inner ability, you will likely falter when it comes time to have tough conversations.
Start by asking yourself what setting healthy boundaries with family can result in for you. What will it give you that you currently don’t possess?
Then ask yourself: Why am I worthy of those things? What boundaries, if I set them, will upgrade my life?
Communicate Clearly and Objectively
The second-most challenging part of setting boundaries are the tough conversations you have to have with family members. (We’ll share the most challenging part in the next section.)
It can feel scary and vulnerable to go out on a limb and tell people what you need. But in truth, vulnerability is a strength that builds character and resilience.
This is true whether you’re talking to family or close friends. Remember, family isn’t always blood.
To ensure the conversations with family go well, it’s advisable to rehearse what you will talk about.
- What type of boundaries are you setting?
- Why do you feel these are necessary?
- What are some examples of past behaviors that you will no longer tolerate?
Write notes down or keep them on your phone. Also be sure to plan these conversations so they don’t sound like you’re attacking your family or throwing blame on them. That’s bound to end in failure.
Note: there will be situations where you can’t clearly sit down with people and share these boundaries with them. It will still benefit you to let them know.
Stay Consistent
By far, the hardest thing to do when setting boundaries is to stick to your word.
So many times people set boundaries only to not enforce them. Then they blame the people in their lives who did not change their attitude or adjust their actions.
Realize, though, that your family isn’t going to change if you aren’t going to hold them accountable. Boundaries will be tested—it’s just the human way—but it’s your job to stick to your guns.
It might help to remember that, even though it doesn’t always feel like it, you’re doing this out of love. You want safer, less toxic relationships with your family.
You will also be more consistent if you remember that you can only control your actions. Adults don’t always want to change. So whether you get results right away or not, celebrate your contribution, not what others are doing or not doing.
Know What Triggers You
Family is a loaded word for many people. In fact, most people can name two to three things that really drive them crazy about their family (or particular family members) in an instant.
These things are likely your triggers, and identifying them will help you set healthy boundaries going forward. You have to remember that these things are most likely to set you off.
Knowing your triggers creates space around them. Instead of them unconsciously springing forth and delaying progress with a family member, you can catch them easier. You can also share them with family members and explain that the particular behavior they’re emitting bothers you.
Know How You’ll Cope
Saying no, feeling guilty for asking people to change, or even being ostracized by family can take its toll. That’s why it’s important to come up with a coping plan as you dive into uncharted territories.
The best thing you can do is mentally prepare yourself for all outcomes. How will you behave if things stop working? And perhaps more importantly: what will you do if things completely hit the fan?
Do you need an escape plan to get out of there unscathed? Access to a gym to sweat out the stress? A journal or piece of paper handy?
It could also help to speak with a therapist or mental health expert during this time. They can provide a sounding board for your thoughts and help you come up with a strategy for saying no to your family.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries with family members is a process. It’s not easily attainable overnight and may result in some inner and outer struggles.
But learning to say no is an important skill that builds strength and character. It’s an important step to take if you want to maintain authentic relationships with those closest to you.
Read more of our blog articles for ideas on how to live your best life today!
