A child’s mistakes, marks, behaviour, or appearance should not become entertainment for a room full of people. Saying things such as “He is terrible at math” or “She never listens to me” in front of relatives may embarrass the child and damage their trust in the parent. If there is something you need to discuss with your child, do it privately and calmly. Children need guidance, but they also need dignity. Teach children that boundaries are not disrespect Respecting elders and maintaining family relationships are important values. But respect should not mean that children have to ignore their own discomfort.

Healthy boundaries teach children to understand their feelings, communicate clearly, and respect other people’s limits too. Social gatherings can therefore become an opportunity to teach children an important life lesson: you can be kind without giving up your boundaries. And sometimes, the most important thing a parent can do at a family gathering is not ask the child to adjust. It is to stand beside them and say, “It’s okay. You don’t have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”