Boundary Scenario Cards

Cut out the cards below. Each group chooses one and discusses:
• What boundary was crossed?
• How might you clearly state your limit?
• What respectful response could follow?

Card 1: Borrowing Without Asking
Your friend takes your headphones without asking because they assume you’ll always say yes.

Card 2: No Knocking
Your sibling comes into your locked room unannounced, even after you asked them to knock first.

Card 3: Shared Secret
A friend tells others about a personal secret you confided in them, leaving you feeling embarrassed.

Card 4: Unwanted Texting
A classmate messages you nonstop late at night, making it hard for you to focus on sleep or homework.

Card 5: Taking Credit
A teammate tells the coach they came up with your idea during practice, even though it was yours.

Card 6: Phone Checking
Your parent reads your text messages without asking because they say they’re just worried about you.

Card 7: Backpack Grab
A friend grabs items from your backpack when they’re in a rush, without checking with you.

Card 8: Homework Copying
A classmate copies your homework answers without your permission and says it’s “no big deal.”

Card 9: Romantic Text Expectations
Your crush messages you repeatedly, asking for selfies and constant updates about your day. It feels overwhelming, but you don’t want to hurt their feelings.

After discussing, groups should record their three key insights on chart paper or sticky notes:

1. Boundary crossed
2. Clear boundary statement
3. Respectful response suggestion

Boundary Scenario Reflection Worksheet

Name: ________________________ Date: ________________

1. Scenario Title (e.g., “Borrowing Without Asking”):
   
   
   

2. What boundary was crossed in your group’s discussion?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What clear boundary statement could you use in this situation?
   
   
   

4. How did it feel to think about expressing or respecting this boundary?
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. What challenges might someone face when communicating this boundary?
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. What is one key takeaway you will remember to help you in future boundary situations?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Boundary Response Starters

Use these sentence starters to help you craft clear, respectful boundary statements and responses in your small-group discussions and reflections.

To State Your Boundary

• “I need _________ so that _________.”
  
  
  
• “Please _____ when you _____; it makes me feel ______.”
  
  
  
• “I’m not comfortable with _____; could we ______ instead?”
  
  
  
• “It upsets me when ______; I’d prefer if ______.”
  
  
  

To Respond When Someone Sets a Boundary

• “Thank you for letting me know; I understand.”
  
  
  
• “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize _____. I won’t do it again.”
  
  
  
• “I appreciate your honesty; how can I make this better?”
  
  
  
• “I respect your feelings and will ______.”
  
  
  

To Ask for Clarification

• “Can you tell me more about how that makes you feel?”
  
  
  
• “What can I do to respect your boundary in the future?”
  
  
  
• “Is there a different way you’d like me to ____?”
  
  
  

Feel free to mix, match, or adapt these starters to fit your own voice and the situation you’re discussing!