I've watched enough Super Nanny to know that it benefits everyone in the house to put some "Family Rules" in writing. Well, after writing out our Family Mission Statement, I decided to go over it with the kids, so they know our goals as a household. Then I quickly realized it is too complicated for them to understand at this age. So I updated and simplifi
ed our House Rules and typed them up to display on the fridge. They align perfectly with our mission statement and are all things we are either currently struggling with or have struggled with in the past. Having this list in print also gives me a reference to go back to when I need to remind the kids of a certain behavior, and it keeps my mini-lecture short and consistent every time, instead of using different words or examples and potentially confusing or overwhelming them.
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I thought I'd post these just in case it inspires some of you to sit down and create your own house rules. They will likely mold and change over time, but putting something down on paper gives them much more power than just having them in your head. Saying, "No arguing, Ryan. Remember: it's a house rule," impacts him much more quickly for some reason. It's almost like, he understands the concept of rules being non-negotiable...they are what they are.
- Listen and obey the first time – say “Yes Mom” or “Yes Dad"
- Be respectful – no talking back or arguing with grown ups or guests
- Use your words – no whining, pouting or bad attitudes
- Be honest – no lying, ever
- Love each other – no hitting, biting, pinching or scratching
- Be kind and joyful - treat others how you want to be treated and be respectful of others and their belongings
- Be grateful – you get what you get and don’t throw a fit; no arguing or complaining
- Use manners – no interrupting when others are talking, inside voices in the house, say, "please," "thank you," and "excuse me."
- Be generous and considerate – share and take turns, let others go first, don’t be selfish with toys or games
- Do what is right – even when others don’t or when no one is looking
- Work out differences using soft words – no screaming, whining or tattling
- Look for ways to serve others with a happy heart
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6 comments:
Great rules - whining has been all too abundant in our house these days...do you have a consequence for a first time offence to these or a warning first? Do some of them incur a greater punnishment than others? Our oldest is learning that while he may get into trouble for something he will get in greater trouble if he then lies about it.
Love this post. Thanks for sharing!
For whining, I just tell them to stop and if they don't, they have to go into our playroom and close the door (not time out, necessary, b/c they can play, just isolation with no attention) until they can come out with a happy heart and ask/speak nicely.
For lying, I do the same thing. My mom wanted to instill such a firm "honesty" policy with me that there were many times that if I told the truth I wouldn't get in trouble AT ALL. I haven't quite gotten there with my kids, but I have lessened the original punishment if they tell the truth and doubled it if they lie and I know about it. (Ryan has done that twice in the last week...not sure what his deal is, hopefully just testing the waters)
Great Rules! I just copied and printed them for my fridge. Thanks!
These are great! Love that you post yours out in the open on the fridge.... mine are hanging on the inside pantry door where I think it's been much too easy to forget....out of sight, out of mind for all...
See you this week!
I also just printed your rules. I have a (just turned) two year old boy and a 3.5 yr old girl and I know they are getting to the point where this list of rules will be perfect! thanks for compiling such a perfect list! Amazing!
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