77. Responding to Foul Language

Estrangement from your adult child may or may not include verbal assaults from him or her, featuring foul language. If you're faced with this kind of behavior, given the current estrangement, what's the best way to respond? You don't want to push your child further away. But does that mean you have to tolerate whatever language they may fling at you in a text? In this episode, Tina offers a 2-part response for parents. Her approach takes into account both your family's communication history and the importance of healthy boundaries, even during estrangement. Don't continue to put up with rude behavior. Know where your limits are, and calmly assert them. Do this with your child, your spouse or partner, other family members and friends. Setting boundaries, if you do it in the spirit of building better relationships, will not damage your bond with your adult children. Use the examples given in this episode to set your own boundaries around the disrespectful use of foul language. In the spirit of picking your battles, Tina also offers an opinion regarding your adult child's use of "snarky tones" with you.