Put things where they belong, hang up your own coat, wash your hands before dinner, etc. There are times I think its necessary to repeat yourself and the rules often, like when we return home from school and I announce "shoes and coats where they belong!" But other rules should become part of the grain of the home, and what better way then to post those rules for every one to see.
When my oldest son asks, but why do I have to wash my hands I explain that we collect germs all day long. But after a few reminders he can remind himself when I catch him reading the rules :-)
Here's our families house rules modified from an excellent book (slightly outdated) called "Simplify Your Life with Kids: 100 Ways to Make Family Life Easier and More Fun" by Elaine St. James. While some parts of the book are outdated referencing listening to a cassette recorder and the like, the concept of teaching children manners around answering the phone and limiting exposure to "tube time" technology.
I also have a post about our sock bags, to help keep our kids socks organized by owner, and not having sock sorting take over my life!
One final note: you'll notice that in the house rules I did NOT include our iPad / TV limits and plan, like no cartoons in the morning, and Friday movie night. Because these are more schedule related items in our home. Whenever we sit around the breakfast / dinner table and discuss "the plan" for the day, that where these items fall into play. And honestly, our routine is so engrained in the kids, that at THIS point in our family, they know that cartoons are for Saturday mornings.
our Family House Rules
Food and
Kitchen
1.
When you use a dish, rinse it and put it in the
dishwasher.
2.
When you take something out of the refrigerator,
the cupboard, a drawer, or the toolbox, put it back where it belongs when
you’re finished with it.
3.
When you create garbage or trash, dispose of it in
the appropriate manner.
4.
Wipe off the counters after you have used them.
Wipe up any spills or splashes you make.
5.
You can only eat in the kitchen, outside, or the
living room on plastic and with a parents’ permission, Every other room is off
limits!
6.
Wash your hands before dinner, no phones at the
table, and help set up/clear up the table.
Being
Polite
7.
Ask permission before you borrow something that
doesn’t belong to you, or someone else is using. Return it in the same
condition that you found it, if you break it fess up.
8.
Bathroom time is private time. Whatever you have
to say can wait until the person comes out.
9.
Don’t yell across rooms, when you need to talk to
someone go to where the person is and talk.
10.
Close – don’t
slam – outside doors behind you as you
come in/out of the house. This includes the pantry door, closet doors and cupboards.
11.
Turn off the lights, T.V., radio, or computer when
you are not using them.
12.
Take off your shoes, coat, backpack, baseball cap/hat,
scarves, and gloves as soon as you come into the house. Put them where they
belong right away. Wear slippers too! Help others!
13.
Tiptoe around anyone who is sleeping. Never wake
others up.
14.
DO NOT BOTHER ANYONE DOING HOMEWORK!
15.
Unless the house is on fire or someone is hurt, do
not interrupt anyone on the phone.
16.
When adults are talking, wait your turn, do not
interrupt someone who is talking. Stand next to that person, or say “excuse me”
when they are finished with their sentence.
Be
Courteous
17.
ALWAYS you your manners: say please, thank you,
your welcome, na zdrowie, salute, etc.
18.
If you see someone needs help, offer your
assistance. This way we can all leave the house on time, stay tidy, and support
one another. The other person will appreciate it.
19.
If you need help with anything, ask for help! If
someone asks you for help, help them!
20.
House rules apply to friends & guests that visit.
21.
Help younger family members with these rules; show
them the right way so they can learn too!
Rev 10/14/11
"The days are long, the years are short"
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