BUILDING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES SIDE BY SIDE A NEW FAMILY LANGUAGE
Teaching your kids about boundaries after a divorce can feel like learning a new language together. During this time in your life, you may be trying to model what healthy space, communication, and respect look like while learning those skills yourself. By creating consistent routines, being patient, and practicing together, you can guide your children and support each other through the process. PROVIDE CLARITY THROUGH CONSISTENCY. Consistent routines can bring stability for both you and your children as you navigate this transition. Setting rules and guidelines, preferably alongside your co-parent, will give everyone a North Star to follow and help you all develop healthy habits and boundaries. When everyone in the family understands the expectations, it minimizes conflict and creates a process for handling stress or good and bad behavior. Though there should be some flexibility, agree on some key rituals, like bedtime or communication rules, to ensure everyone feels safe and empowered. SHOW THEM THROUGH PRACTICE. It’s okay to be honest with your children and let them know you are learning just like they are. In fact, one of the most powerful lessons about boundaries you can provide your kids is to show them through your own practice. Stick to the same rules you’ve set for them. Model the behavior and boundaries you want to pass on. You can show them how to express the need for space or more communication by checking in with your co-parent to see if you’re on the same page. As they hear this, they start to learn how to interact with others in ways that respect their own feelings and needs. Be gentle and kind to yourself, because it’s so important for children to understand that we all have things to learn, even adults. Your children don’t expect you to be perfect, but they look to you to learn skills like setting boundaries and establishing stable routines. With patience and empathy, you can both determine what this new chapter looks like and support each other along the way.
CREAMY SPRING SALMON
INGREDIENTS •
4 skinless salmon fillets
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1 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk
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2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground black pepper 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
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Zest of 1/2 lemon 1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
1 tbsp Dijon mustard 1/2 cup dry white wine
Bruce Law Firm attends the annual family law conference in Orlando.
DIRECTIONS 1. Pat salmon dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. 2. In large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. 3. Add salmon and cook 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove from skillet. 4. To make the sauce, reduce heat to medium and add garlic and shallots. 5. Sauté for 1 minute, then add Dijon mustard and white wine. Whisk and cook for about 2 minutes. 6. Add coconut milk and simmer on medium-low heat. 7. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, chives, dill, and tarragon. 8. Add salmon to sauce and cook, uncovered, 3–5 minutes.
Inspired by TheDefinedDish.com
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