The ABC of Home Harmony: 10 Home Rules for Kiddos
Lately, my kids have been asking “why do we have home rules”?? They have been noticing the differences in rules between our home and their friends’ homes which means, the comparison has also started: things like, “At their place, they can do this,” or “Their parents are so cool because they let them do that.” It’s becoming a frequent topic of conversation at our house. A topic that never fails to irritate me tbh, but also one which offers a chance to reinforce a lesson I’ve been imparting since their toddler days:
In our family, we follow some simple yet clear and consistent ground rules, and when we all stick to them, it makes our home a happy place.
Why are these rules important? Well, its basic: it provides structure, helping them understand boundaries, respect, responsibility, and, most importantly, ensuring their safety. Just as rules shape our behavior in society, they play a crucial role in raising well-rounded, kinder adults.
Here are the top 10 home rules we follow in our home:
- If you open it; close it, take it out; put it back; not yours; do not take it
- If you or your friends made a mess, you clean it
- If someone is talking, put your electronics down
- If you make a mistake and then accepted, it – it’s all good, everyone makes a mistake; you would have learnt a valuable lesson
- If you say the truth, you will never be in as much trouble as when you lie
- If you show gratitude, you will always get more from us, and life in general
- If you show responsibility, I will trust you more
- If you are in a bad mood, do not take it out on others
- If you can be anything, BE KIND. Use your manners. Simple acts of kindness will always make you content
- If you are in trouble, or if things get hard, you can ALWAYS COME TO ME
