Sample List of Houshold Rules for the Entire Family

http://discipline.about.com/od/establishingrules/a/Sample-List-Of-Household-Rules-For-The-Entire-Family.htm

Every home should have a list of household rules that outline expectations for behavior. When kids have rules they know what behaviors are acceptable and what behaviors will result in a negative consequence. Rules also help kids feel safe and secure.

Establishing house rules for kids can also reduce power struggles. When the rules are clear, kids can’t argue, “But Mom, I didn’t know!”

What Should be Included in the Household Rules

Household rules should include the rules that everyone in the house is expected to follow, including parents. This means only including only things that you are willing to do as well. Don’t include a rule such as, “Bedtime is at 7PM,”unless you also plan to go to bed at that time.

There should be specific rules to each child that can be included on a separate list of rules. These rules might include specific bedtimes, chores, curfews and other behaviors that might only pertain to a specific person.

Everyone’s household rules should be specific to their home and their needs. While it might be important in one parent’s home to emphasize “No jumping on the furniture,” another family may want to make a rule that says, “Try at least two bites of everything on your plate.” Your household rules will depend on your family’s needs and values.

Keep your list short and simple. It will be much easier and effective to have a short list of the most important rules rather than a long list of rules. Although everyone’s household rules should be specific to their own family, here is a sample of a family’s list of household rules:

1. Treat other people and their property respectfully.

• No hurting anyone’s feelings (no yelling, putdowns, or name calling).

• No hurting anyone’s body (no hitting, pushing, or kicking).

• Ask permission to borrow other people’s belongings.

Point out examples of respectful behavior by telling kids what respectful behavior looks like. Discuss the negative consequences of breaking this rule by enforcing an immediate consequence for any act of physical aggression.

2. Knock on closed doors before entering.

Teach kids about privacy by establishing a rule about knocking on closed doors before entering. This can be a great way for them to practice respectful behaviors.

3. Pick up after yourself.

Talk to kids about specific expectations about picking up after themselves. For example, tell them to put their dishes in the dishwasher when they’re done eating. Also, make it clear when you expect them to pick up their toys by saying something such as, “Pick up your toys before you get out any new toys.”

4. Turn off electronics after dinner.

Many families choose to establish rules about electronics. While some families may say each person can have up to two hours of electronics (video games, computer time, cell phone and TV) per day, other families may choose to set limits on what time electronics need to be turned off.

5. Apologize if you’ve hurt someone’s feelings.

Teach kids to take responsibility for their behavior by creating a rule about how to respond if they’ve hurt someone. Sometimes an apology may be enough and at other times, you may need to institute restitution as a consequence.

6. Tell the truth.

Stressing the importance of honesty will only be effective if you role model the behavior you want to see from your kids. If you tell your kids to always tell the truth, but try to claim your 13-year-old is only 12 so you can get a lower-priced movie ticket, your words won’t be effective. Kids can’t tell the difference between“white lies” and other lies so if you’re going to stress the importance of honesty, you’ll need to show them that you’re honest.

7. Attend family meetings once a week.

Holding regularly scheduled family meetings can help you review the rules and make any changes as necessary. While some families may want to schedule a meeting once a week, other families may find that meeting once a month is plenty.

Allow your kids offer input into what they think should be included on the list of rules. When kids have some input, it can get them more invested in following the rules.

Work together as a family to problem-solve specific issues. For example, if you’re noticing that several family members aren’t picking up after themselves, talk about it and see what you can do to better enforce this rule.