Posting House Rules is a great way to communicate expectations of behavior and actions from every member of the family. It makes the rules less personal and keeps everyone on the same page. A child can easily refer to the rules that are posted rather than wonder if she will get in trouble or what the punishment will be. The lines are clearly drawn giving both the parents and children a sense of pride and security.
House Rules are rules that apply to all members of the family at all times. The rules are not intended to diminish the parent or bring the parent down to the level of a child following rules. The parents’ role is to guide the rules, develop the rules and be examples of the rules.
Here are steps to developing House Rules:
Simple Rules Work Best: Keep the rules simple in sentence form and words. This will make it easier for a young child to understand and memorize.
Allow Child Participation: Allowing the child a chance to sit down with you to develop the rules will give him a sense of ownership. It will also increase the chance of the child following the rules.
Short List of Rules: You need not more than 5 rules listed. While, many other specific rules may be developed over time, your goal is to manage about 5 rules that are broad enough to cover heart and behavior issues.
Memorize the Rules: Refer to the rules often in a fun and engaging way. Offer rewards for memorizing the rules.
Positive Language: Use positive language to allow the spirit of a loving home to come through. Your rules need not start with “Don’t” or “No”. Find a positive way to express it so your children feel positive about it. After all, the rules are there out of respect for all involved not as punishment.
Example Rules:
Ask before you take.
Use good manners
Treat another how you would like to be treated.