Like boot camp, or not

I am working on a set of House Rules and a family routine and all that.

Something that is written down so it won’t change based on my mood (or anyone elses). I think this will be good for us.

I’ve got a list started, which includes “No Swearing” and “Nobody messes with Dad’s ice cream.” But I feel like I’m missing something.

Do you follow a set of rules at home? (like that everyone agrees to, written, or more informal)

What are some of your favorite rules?

As I write this, I realize that nobody likes lots of rules. But kinda like having stripes on the freeway, it might help us prevent fender-benders a little.

5 thoughts on “Like boot camp, or not”

  1. oy, this is long, but you asked!

    1 – No lying.
    2 – I dont’ care who started it.
    3 – No fighting — if you’re fighting over something, it instantly and irrevocably becomes MINE.
    4 – You are expected to pick up your own junk — if I have to pick it up, it becomes MINE.
    5 – If you’re whining, rolling your eyes, or having a fit, go to your room. I don’t want to hear it. You can come out when you’ve fixed your face and can have a decent conversation.
    6 – No broken promises. In this house, we promise only what we’re going to do and we do what we’ve promised. That goes for good (rewards and fun stuff) and bad (punishments and consequences). If you can’t deliver, keep your mouth shut.
    7- I am not the maid. You live in this house, too. And the maid is not here to make YOUR life easier. **
    8 – Expectations are clearly defined, as are repercussions for not meeting them. Wanna test me? Go ahead — you will NOT win.
    9 – We don’t hold grudges — just don’t do it again.
    10 – No lying.

    Maybe somewhere in there you can find something that works for you. It doesn’t always work for me, but it’s a start. Underlying the whole thing is a base expectation of respect. and trust.

    **we don’t have a “maid” really. Yet. We’ll be getting one in the next few weeks. She will be here 2X month to make MY life easier.

  3. We do have a list of rules in the house! They’re made up and posted right on the fridge, right along with a household schedule…believe me, it’s actually worked so far.

    1. Play Nicely Together (this is nice because it encompasses a whole HOST of things!)

    2. No Running Inside the House (FT is a runner and he bangs into things so we had to start this. If you’re caught running you instantly have to sit down where you are for two minutes Indian style.)

    3. Inside Voices Please (again, FT is VERY loud so we’ve instituted this one. No one’s intentionally broken it yet.)

    4. No Whining (Babygirl is a whiner and everytime she whines I point to this and she usually stops)

    5. No Jumping On Furniture (self explaintory)

    6. No Pushing or Hitting.

    Just six rules, that way there aren’t too many to have to follow (all kids are under 6 here) and they’re easily understood. It’s nice having them stuck up on the fridge where EVERYONE (including babysitters and guests) can see them and know what the rules are. The biggest thing is to have a direct consequence for a breaking of rules and to follow through, as well as praise for not breaking the rules.

  5. No shoes on the carpet. No jumping on furniture. No food anywhere else other than the kitchen. Those are the main ones that I can think of.

    Good luck!

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