Early intervention gives us the opportunity to work with amazing families and incredible little ones, but sometimes, the lines between professional and personal can get blurry. We’ve all been there, right?
- the teenager who needs a ride down the road
- the house with no food
- the mama who breaks down crying
- the dad who tells dirty jokes
- the toddler who needs a diaper change
- the family who gives you a generous Christmas present
- the grandmother who chain smokes in the house.
- the uncle that flirts with you
- the caregiver wants to sell you nail polish stickers
- grandmother yells at you for being late
Let’s talk boundaries.
Psych Central’s Leah Campbell writes,
Why Personal Boundaries are Important and How to Set Them , Written by Leah Campbell — Updated on April 26, 2023 https://psychcentral.com/relationships/what-are-personal-boundaries-how-do-i-get-some#what-they-areThese boundaries typically fall into a few specific categories:
- emotional (protecting our own emotional well-being)
- physical (protecting our physical space)
- sexual (protecting our needs and safety sexually)
- workplace (protecting our ability to do our work without interference or drama)
- material (protecting our personal belongings)
- time (protecting the use, and misuse, of our time)
Boundaries can also exist in a variety of situations, including:
- at work
- at home
- when visiting family
- when out with friends
Really, any time you are talking about engaging with others, you’ve likely got personal boundaries that surround that situation.
And finally, personal boundaries don’t have to be communicated for them to exist. We all have our lines of discomfort — they’re there whether you tell others about them or not. Still, personal boundaries are more likely to be violated if we don’t communicate them.
Why Boundaries Matter (Especially in Early Intervention):
Strong boundaries are key to being an effective helper. When we blur the lines, we risk burnout, resentment, and even compromising the professional relationship with the families we serve.
Why do people cross boundaries?
“…boundary violations and boundary crossings have to be examined in the context of the behavioral effects the behavior has caused for either the social worker or client. He posited a five central themes in which boundary issues may arise: 1) intimate relationships, 2) pursuit of personal benefit, 3) emotional and dependency needs, 4) altruistic gestures, and 5) responses to unanticipated circumstances.”
Taken from “Client Relationships and Ethical Boundaries for Social Workers in Child Welfare,” by Rose M. Handon, BSW, MSA, LSW, published in Winter 2009 issue of The New Social Worker. https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics-articles/Client_Relationships_and_Ethical_Boundaries_for_Social_Workers_in_Child_Welfare/
Setting Boundaries: From Theory to Practice
Okay, so boundaries are good. But how do we actually set them in the real world of early intervention?
- Know Your Limits: Reflect on what makes you comfortable and uncomfortable. Is it loud noises, physical contact, or lending money? Once you know your limits, you can start setting clear expectations.
- Be Prepared: To reduce the risk of “responses to unanticipated circumstances” type of boundary violation , spend some time thinking about what situations may arise in your line of work and how you could handle them. I listed a few in the beginning of this post because I’ve experienced them.
- Be Direct (But Kind): “I’m happy to meet you here today, but unfortunately, I can’t provide rides.” A simple, polite explanation goes a long way.
- Focus on Your Role: We’re there to support families in achieving their child’s development goals, not solve all their problems. Focus on providing early intervention services and connect them with appropriate resources for other needs.
Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
Learn from our experiences and prioritize our own well-being. By setting healthy boundaries, we can be the best early intervention providers possible, for ourselves and the families we serve. By prioritizing your well-being and setting healthy boundaries, you can be the best early intervention provider possible, fostering positive outcomes for both yourself and the families you serve. Remember, other early intervention providers face similar situations. Don’t hesitate to seek support from your colleagues or supervisor.
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