Household Rules?

[~Ash~]

Do you have them?

Are they written down somewhere or just mentioned when they have done something wrong?

DD reacts very well to boundaries and decided a while ago that I would make a list of rules to be the 'house rules' that we all needed to follow but I am started to think that I am making it too complicated for myself.

I got the idea from a friend who had an older child - she wrote out the rules (or expectations i guess) that she had for her DD and when she got in trouble she would have to either sit and read the rules or write them out. It was things like being friendly and kind to people- treating others with respect - and stuff like that.

Whenever DD has had a bad attitude or lashed out I always say that people in this house don't talk to others like that, etc - but that's about it so far

I'm curious to hear stories of what you do .

I have been thinking something like this will work really well with DD for a while now but have no idea where to start.

TIA xx


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[sconeonamission]

We have expectations, not so much for DS yet, more so for dh - who just blatantly ignores them.

Sorry, I'm no help!

[mummydreamer]

i would like to do something like, but am just waiting for the kids to be old enough to read them.....i do have boundaries and rules, like no running in the house, no hitting, no kicking, etc....getting them to follow the is another story....Lol

[~Ash~]

Thanks for the replies!

I might have a look into it - i really like the idea of having consistent expectations. We have a reward system happening that is quite effective with DD so she would just get a sad point if she broke the rules.


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[jackrose]

I like the idea of clear boundaries and think I will be implementing some form of formal rule or expectation list when the kids get older. DD1 only just asked the other day "What is a rule mummy?"

I think it is important to have the kids involved in making them up and allow them to negotiate, negotiate the rules/expectations and the consequences. I think they should be able to come up with some rules for the adults too! I am happy to follow a reasonable rule like don't run in the house!

[~Kim~]

Yep we do. DD isn't old enough to read them but they are posted on the fridge. They are for everybody in our house to follow.
We talked about the kinds of things everybody should be able to manage, and the three of us who were able all contributed....hang on I'll fish them off the fridge. The name after is who asked that it be included.

Speak nicely to everyone - joint
use our manners - joint
listen to mum and dad - dad
Sit at the table and eat our dinner properly - mum
don't be naughty - Darcy
Ask if you want to go somewhere - Mum
Do what you are asked - joint
Clean up your own mess - joint

We haven't developed specific consequences for rule breakages, but it's more a standard of expectation.

[~Ash~]

Jackrose - I agree that the children should make the rules too, DP and I were thinking that we might sit together and come up with the ones that are most important before we talk to DD about it - that way she can have her input too.

Kim - thanks for sharing your rules! They give me some good starting points for talking to DP about it.