The first word that comes to mind when I hear the word boundaries is “no.” This is one of the very first words a toddler says when they start to speak. It is also one of the very first words a child hears when they start to develop any type of independence.
When a child is abused, it becomes very difficult and sometimes impossible for him or her to say “no.” After a while, this basic word that was learned as such a young age, becomes meaningless. Boundaries are thrown out like the trash, and these children no longer have the confidence to speak for themselves.
I must admit that I was well into adulthood when I understood the meaning of healthy boundaries. It is ironic that I was able to teach these to my own children, yet had difficulty applying them to my own life. Kids need to know that they have the right to say “no,” especially to other grown-ups. When a child is taught how precious and important their body and mind is, onslaughts of emotional and sexual abuse will be much easier to fight off, and greater resilience and strength will prevail.