How to Establish Boundaries with Family Members at Home

Many people may find the quarantine very different from the usual routines, and there might be some who will see each day as a struggle.

The home has become stressful to some; it has now become a place for all other activities. Kids are attending online classes; parents work from home, and the house is now also a gym or a place for worship.

Thus, it would be best if family members are aware of their actions and are willing not to cross the lines with other family members.

Some of the ways to achieve a peaceful and harmonious environment while there is a quarantine are the following:

Set Some Space

Even if the house has become multipurpose, it would still be nice if there are designated places for exercise, meals, work, study, and rest. It will be very uneasy for some to see another family member exercising while they are busy studying or witnessing another member eating while they are exercising.

Setting designated spaces also allow members to create a sense of privacy. That is very important as well to make sure that family members will not feel suffocated in the environment where they spend most of their time.

Do not force fun

While the quarantine is also an opportunity to spend time with loved ones, fun should not be forced to every family member.

Be Mindful

Not only should a family member be mindful of actions towards others, but also of one's own emotions. When someone is aware of his or her feelings and emotions, he or she also can overcome negativity.

However, when stress inevitably comes to every or some of the members of the family, experts say that it will be helpful if the family does deep breathing exercises. These breathing exercises can calm the body and mind.

Lower the Bar

Katie Hurley, a childe psychiatrist, says that even if there are a lot of social media posts that tell us this is the perfect time to have new hobbies or to learn a new language, Hurley begs to disagree. According to her, it's okay to resist the pressure from social media and set lesser expectations.

Another pro tip from Hurley: stop comparing one's good day to your day.

Create Healthy Routines

According to another psychotherapist, Ryan Beale, anger and frustration are triggered by instances when there is no order, and everything is rigid. Also, Beale said that having routines helps in balancing the mind.

Be kind and Understanding

During the home quarantine, it will become noticeable that each member of the household has a unique level of tolerance. One may be pissed easier than another. Because of that, it is only appropriate that each family member is kind and understanding.

For the developmental psychologist, Dr. Thomas Lickona, one of the best things to do during this time is to do positives. That is by remembering the family's blessings by the end of the day.

Most of these ways are not only applicable to the quarantine which we have today. Because even after this pandemic is over, these could be healthy habits that each family could develop.