Boundaries
Someone asks to borrow your pencil, but you need it. What could you say?
“No, I’m using it right now. You can use it when I’m done.”
A friend keeps borrowing your things without asking. What can you do?
“Please ask me before you borrow my things.”
Your face feels hot, your fists are tight, and you want to yell. What is your body telling you?
“I’m getting angry.”
“SHUT UP!”
“Please stop talking to me right now.”
A classmate keeps touching your things without asking. What boundary could you set?
“Please ask before using my things.”
Someone keeps reading over your shoulder when you're trying to do your work.
“I need some privacy while I'm working. Please give me some space.”
Someone makes fun of you in front of your classmates. You suddenly feel really angry. What might be underneath the anger?
Embarrassment or hurt.
“Give me my stuff!”
“Can I please have my things back?”
Someone keeps asking you personal questions that make you uncomfortable. What can you do?
Tell them you don't want to answer and/or talk to a trusted adult.
A classmate keeps making jokes about you that you don't think are funny.
“I don't like those jokes. Please stop.”
Your teacher tells you that you need to redo your assignment. You feel like yelling. What might be the trigger?
Being corrected or feeling frustrated about the assignment.
“You're so annoying!”
“I'm getting frustrated. Can you please give me some space?”
True or False: Setting a boundary means you are being mean.
False! Boundaries help keep you safe and comfortable.
Your friend keeps asking you to tell them a secret that you don't want to share.
“I'm not comfortable sharing that. Please stop asking.”
Your friend doesn't invite you to sit with them at lunch. You become angry. What feeling might be underneath the anger?
Sadness, loneliness, or feeling left out.
“I hate you!”
“I'm really upset with you right now.”
Your friend keeps hitting you, what can you say to them?
“Stop. I don’t like that. Please don’t hit me.”
Someone keeps interrupting you while you're talking.
“Please let me finish talking, then you can have a turn.”
Someone keeps interrupting you while you're talking. You start getting angry. What is your anger trying to tell you?
“I feel frustrated and want to be heard.”
“That's not fair!”
“I don't think that's fair. Can we talk about it?”