Household Rules for Every Family
Leave a Comment
- by Owl Staff
- Posted on Dec 7th, 2009
- Filed under: Lifestyle / Home and Garden
- Tagged with: householdmanagement, householdrules
- More
Rules make every household run more smoothly, but how do you establish rules for your family, and what rules should you choose? The most important thing you should consider when developing a rule system is to involve your children. Kids are much more likely to follow rules that they have helped to conceive. Parents should also remember to keep a positive spin on rules because they help children learn positive behaviors. Negative rules emphasize negative behaviors.
Rules should be clear and concise so kids know when a rule has been broken. A rule such as "respect others" can be too ambiguous for a child to understand. The word "respect" should be broken down into specific behaviors, such as "treat people with respect by being kind." It's okay for rules to have sub-categories, but your entire family should decide what these should be. Parents must also remember that each person in the family must follow each rule -- that includes parents. Parents must set examples for their children, and following the household's rules is one way to show your kids how you expect them to behave. Consistency is also key. Enforcing a rule one day and letting kids slide when they don't follow a rule another day can confuse kids, sending them a message that following rules is not a high priority in your (and their) lives.
How many rules should you consider? Age is an important factor. A teenager should have more regulations than a toddler. Having too many rules is difficult for the child to handle, and they would also be harder for you to enforce. Once you come up with your family's rules, you can make a chart listing them. This chart should be posted in a common room like the living room or kitchen. Encourage your kids to decorate the chart with markers and stickers. If you have very young children, drawing pictures to symbolize the rules might be a good way for them to list their rules.
What are some rules every household should set? Tell the truth. Do as you are told. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Treat yourself, others and the environment with respect by being kind, aware and clean. Talk nicely. These are basic rules that can be expanded upon depending on the childrens' ages.
You might considering limiting TV, computer, video games and phone time. Other rules include making children do their homework right after they get home from school or from their activities. Finishing chores in a timely fashion and always getting in bed at the same time are important, too. You might also consider rules that relate to how much time your child can spend at friends' homes or whether they're allowed to have friends over at certain times.
Sitting down with your entire family and discussing the rules is a good way to include everyone in the rule-making process. This way everyone feels as if he or she is involved and more willing to follow the rules.
Rules should be clear and concise so kids know when a rule has been broken. A rule such as "respect others" can be too ambiguous for a child to understand. The word "respect" should be broken down into specific behaviors, such as "treat people with respect by being kind." It's okay for rules to have sub-categories, but your entire family should decide what these should be. Parents must also remember that each person in the family must follow each rule -- that includes parents. Parents must set examples for their children, and following the household's rules is one way to show your kids how you expect them to behave. Consistency is also key. Enforcing a rule one day and letting kids slide when they don't follow a rule another day can confuse kids, sending them a message that following rules is not a high priority in your (and their) lives.
How many rules should you consider? Age is an important factor. A teenager should have more regulations than a toddler. Having too many rules is difficult for the child to handle, and they would also be harder for you to enforce. Once you come up with your family's rules, you can make a chart listing them. This chart should be posted in a common room like the living room or kitchen. Encourage your kids to decorate the chart with markers and stickers. If you have very young children, drawing pictures to symbolize the rules might be a good way for them to list their rules.
What are some rules every household should set? Tell the truth. Do as you are told. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. Treat yourself, others and the environment with respect by being kind, aware and clean. Talk nicely. These are basic rules that can be expanded upon depending on the childrens' ages.
You might considering limiting TV, computer, video games and phone time. Other rules include making children do their homework right after they get home from school or from their activities. Finishing chores in a timely fashion and always getting in bed at the same time are important, too. You might also consider rules that relate to how much time your child can spend at friends' homes or whether they're allowed to have friends over at certain times.
Sitting down with your entire family and discussing the rules is a good way to include everyone in the rule-making process. This way everyone feels as if he or she is involved and more willing to follow the rules.
