lincap Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 My four year old seems to be a really good rule follower.. so was thinking of coming up with maybe 4 or 5 "family rules" that are short, can be memorized and said quickly if someone "breaks" them. Example: We do what mom and dad tell us. or We do as we are told. or We use our listening ears. We do not talk back to mom and dad (but don't know if he will understand "talk back"...) but lately he is doing the "FINE!" and storming off.. trying to address this quickly. Maybe something about sharing and helping. Maybe something about trying. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa in Jax Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 My kids are older, but we've taught them that these are "their jobs." They say, "My job is to be responsible, respectful and fun to be around, and to do things right the first time, fast and snappy, Mom's and Dad's way." You could simplify/modify this for a four year old to something like this: 1. Use your words respectfully. (This covers the "FINE!" thing, in addition to encouraging talking, not acting out, when mad/sad/frustrated.) 2. Treat other people the way you'd like to be treated. (Simplified "Golden Rule.") 3. Do things right the first time, fast and snappy, Mom's and Dad's way. This is integral to good behavior. The child should know that it's his job to do what he's told quickly and correctly -- the first time. Most situations are covered by those three. If a child can use his words, be thoughtful of and kind to others, and do things as instructed by his parents, he's doing a good job. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lcelmer Posted February 19, 2010 Share Posted February 19, 2010 We eat what we are given, or we don’t eat. Toys, TV and computer are for after school and chores. We put away the things we use. We use indoor feet and voices. We use kind speech and actions with each other. Mommy & daddy’s room is off limits, unless a parent is with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lincap Posted February 20, 2010 Author Share Posted February 20, 2010 Thank you both for your ideas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 Mine is- please don't create unecessary work for others and Treat others how you would like to be treated. The first covers a whole range of behaviours around making a mess, leaving dirty dishes etc. The 2nd covers pretty much everything else :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 I'm hoping to train mine to be proud of the other's achievements. We'll see how that goes :) Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 On the talking back thing, I would simply tell him what you want to hear. It is MUCH easier to give a pat answer than to work against your frustration and come up with AND say the right thing in the right way. In time, of course, he'll have to learn just that; but at four, it's more than reasonable to give him the right answer :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinmom Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 We have four basic house rules here: Obey Your Parents Be Honest Be Kind Be Responsible Each one is up on a board in our kitchen with a corresponding Bible verse that the kids need to memorize. Works great for the elem. kiddos, since they are easy to remember but also cover a multitude of issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.... Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 How about "No putting Mommy's keys in the toilet!" I need to have that one framed and posted on our living room wall (in 3 different languages). :banghead: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OrganicAnn Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 I took this list from a Montessori book Treat everyone with respect If you use something put it away. If you make a mess, clean it up. Tell the Truth. I think it helps kids to keep is short and simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 Our only family rule is to treat others, and ourselves, with respect. If we all really did that, we wouldn't need any other rules. 'Course they don't always do it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athena Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 When the kids were little I had 2 rules: Obey cheerfully & quickly. Come when you're called. Now that they are older we use: Treat others the way you want to be treated. Do not make more work for others. Keep it simple. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachrose Posted February 20, 2010 Share Posted February 20, 2010 I like having a list of rules with set consequences (well as much as possible kids are creative when they sin so sometimes that requires a creative consequence) I don't think this should be a jam it down their throat kind of thing either but more like a friendly reminder with consequences sometimes. I find if I can I sing to them the reminder it helps me (settles my frustration) and makes it more palatable for them. this is still a work in progress for me. I find doorposts materials helpful for scripture based consequences. http://www.doorposts.com/ I've loved everything I've bought from them. HTH I will obey the first time I am told eph 6:1 I will not complain phil 2:14 I will be slow to anger prov 14:29 tell the truth prov 12 be quiet prov 10:19 not gossip prov 11:13 not listen to gossip prov 17:4 not tease prov 4:24 not answer back with folly prov 26:4 I will treat other kindly math 7:12 I will cease from strife Prov 20:3 do what is right james 4:!7 I will be positive Prov 17:20 do my chores @ the 3:10 I will do my best eccl 9:10 I will share romans 12:10 I will forgive ephesians 4 :32 not laugh at sin prov 14:9 I will not repay evil prov 24:29 I will not be proud prov 16:18 no be envious prov 27:4 not be jealous prov 6:34 I will be content prov 15:16 I will listen in family devotions and church prov 28:9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lincap Posted February 21, 2010 Author Share Posted February 21, 2010 These are so many wonderful suggestions! Hubby and I are enjoying these so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 Here's our official family list: 1) No running, jumping, thumping or banging. 2) No yelling. Use your inside (classroom) voices. 3) No snacking without permission. 4) Do not play with the dog 5) DO NOT SLAM THE DOOR! I could probably add a couple more but these are the ones with have the most problems with. If you'll noise really bothers me, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beachrose Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 KidsHappen Kids being loud drives me bonkers too! I discovered a wonderful trick for it. You make sure they are outside playing at least 2 hours a day and you make room for movement within your lessons. It's amazing how much more settled my hyper kids can be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 Our family rule is "The Smith Family Doesn't Pick Their Noses." It's a start... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T'smom Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 Our family rule is "The Smith Family Doesn't Pick Their Noses." It's a start... That's hilarious! Our very first rule when my son was around 9 months old, was 'don't put your hands in the poop!' It was almost impossible to try to keep his hands out of the way when changing his diaper! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2jjka Posted February 21, 2010 Share Posted February 21, 2010 We have this posted in our dining room. The 21 Rules Of This House by Gregg Harris http://www.fortifyingthefamily.com/21_rules.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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