A Note on Safety

The strategies in this article are designed for families dealing with common, everyday challenges of communication and shifting roles. They are appropriate for navigating issues like entitlement, mild disrespect, or codependency. However, it is critical to recognize that these tools are not sufficient for situations involving abuse, manipulation, or addiction.

If your adult child is emotionally, verbally, or financially abusive; if they threaten you or make you feel unsafe; or if their behavior is erratic due to substance use or a severe mental health crisis, your priority must be your own safety. In these cases, setting a boundary might mean limiting contact, seeking professional help, or involving legal authorities. Do not attempt a confrontational conversation that could put you at risk.

Your well-being matters. For more information on healthy relationships and safety, you can consult resources from the CDC. If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, support is available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline in the U.S.