Boundaries keep relationships safe and healthy...
All healthy relationships require boundaries. Failure to assert boundaries produces unhealthy and unhappy relationships. For instance, if you don't assert a boundary when someone shows up one hour late, they'll eventually show up several hours late on a regular basis. You will begin to feel neglected, disrespected, frustrated and angry. When you try to assert your boundary from that unhappy place, you aren't likely to be successful. Expect and require normal behavior from people you hope to ENJOY good relationships with.
Adults aren’t always more mature than their children...
Parents squabble, just like kids do. Therefore, unless YOU are a parent who never squabbles with your spouse, be very patient with your squabbling children. Understand that people of every age get easily offended and upset. Figure out what helps YOU stay calm in the face of provocation and then teach that skill set to your children. Meanwhile, everyone can benefit from learning to allow a moment of silence before replying verbally, as that moment can make space for a more thoughtful response.
