Our House Rules

Another Friday re-run. This was originally posted on July 16, 2009 and we STILL have this list displayed on our fridge!

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 simplified 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.

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