Family Rules

I was cleaning out some files on my computer, and I ran across the FAMILY RULES that we came up with last year. We are still struggling to enforce some of these, but they are getting better.

(Jan 1, 2007)

Do Not:

o Play in Mom & Dad’s bedroom
o Use Mom & Dad’s toilet
o Argue with or pester (1-2-3)
o Stand or jump on furniture or beds
o Do not crawl or stand on the downstairs train table
o Stay away from the street unless you are with Mom or Dad
o Stay out of other’s closets
o Take toys from other kids
o Scream unless there is danger or you’re hurt
o Use yuk words
o Push, hit, or bite
o Have a disrespectful attitude

Do:

o Keep kids safe
o Know right from wrong
o Sit down during mealtime, and ask before getting up
o Put away outside toys before it gets dark
o Put away jackets & shoes when come inside
o Put dirty clothes in a hamper
o Ask before you can play with something that is not a toy
o Do what you are told (1-2-3)
o Be respectful to others
o At PJ time (7pm or after bathtime)
.... Old PJ’s away
.... Drawers and doors closed
.... Brush Teeth
.... Pickup boys room
.... Lights out at 8pm
o At Dress Time
.... Announced – clothes will be ready for you
.... PJ’s away
.... Shut drawers & doors
.... Brush teeth

I guess I'm kind of a geek, but things can get out of control in a real hurry without some basic rules & structure. The hard part about all this is to consistently enforce it.

Lake Zurich puts on a Parent University each year, and it's very helpful. We went last year, and I'm planning on going again this year (March 8th). It's where I learn how to be a better daddy.