The other day I posted the following on my facebook page:
you know mama’s serious ’bout things when she busts out the parenting books and begins a Word Document with the OFFICIAL FAMILY RULES….
watch out kids!
watch out kids!
I kid you not, there is nothing like summer vacation to show you what is lacking in your parenting skills.
And summer vacation has shown me that I will not survive another 2 months (or 18 years) until I begin to show a little more consistency.
I realized, as with anything important in life, I needed to come up with a plan for success.
An IN MA FACE plan I would stick with.
{yes, I realize you with teenagers are laughing at me right now, but go with me here. what is life without hope? even if it IS misguided!}
Now, I am AWESOME at implementing ideas and actions…for mmmm, about two weeks, and then somehow we (gotta give Jimmy some of that blame!) begin to slack…let things slide…and then suddenly we’re surrounded by what feels like chaos.
This time, Mama is SERIOUS.
So after pouring over my favorite parenting books (click here for those) and taking all my underlined and highlighted notes to a word document,
I finally came up with the Official (able to be tweaked as needed) Family Rules.
And because I was asked to blog this by one of my most favorite people ever….
I now present…..
What I’m sure will soon be made into a book.
And then perhaps an after school tv special…
because they are just that powerful…
totally able to transform any child/family alive….
{according to the books…}
dum da da dum….
The Official Family Rules:
The Three R’s
Respect
~ Say Yes Mom/Dad when asked to do something or when given an answer
~ Say Excuse Me and wait patiently when adults are talking, do not interrupt
~ Always say Please & Thank You
~ Understand that our yes means yes and no means no….it does not mean maybe, so don’t push or there will be consequences.
~ Respect the home of the family, and have your tantrums/bad moods in your room.
You may return to the family when you are ready to show self control.
~ Always use a soft and gentle tone.
No yelling or raised voices.
This does not show love, respect, or self control.
Responsibility
~ be accountable for your own actions, and be ready to accept responsibility for them
~ carry out tasks given by those in charge, immediately when asked
~ think carefully when making a decision, because you will have to stick with it once it’s made
~ no tattling, you must work your problems out together
Resourcefulness
~ You must have a hang in there, tough it out, and try it again attitude
~ Always try to do things on your own with your BEST efforts before asking for help
*for mom & dad:
referees rules ~ No Threats, No Second Chances, No Deals
Let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No
Daily Checklist:
Bible Time ~ Read devotions and/or a bible story as a family
Family Prayer Time ~ Pray for your every need, open and honest
Chores ~ Each family member is responsible for taking care of all that God has blessed us with, and we must each do our part to show we can be trusted with those blessings.
Your assigned chores should be done every day before bed.
~~~~~~~
Now go little grasshopper….and raise perfect children.
Your assigned chores should be done every day before bed.
~~~~~~~
Now go little grasshopper….and raise perfect children.
© 2011 “Le Musings of Moi”
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