Not sure I've ever blogged on this topic before but here it is.
In our home we have three rules. Why? It makes it easier for me to remember and the kids actually know them and Gianna can recite them:
1. You must obey.
2. You must be kind.
3. Mama does what Mama says.
You must be kind also includes: You can't beat, bite, hit or otherwise hurt anyone in our family including your brother/sister. I sometimes remind them of this by saying: "We don't hurt other people in our family because that isn't kind."...attempting to link the action to rule #2.
I hope this still works as they age (again, because I can remember three rules). For example, we are kind to our own bodies, to our friends, etc. We don't have a set bed time mostly because they can't tell time. Generally, they go to bed between 7 and 730. But, when they are a little older and begin to argue with why it is bedtime I can come back to either rule 1 or 2. Use the "children obey your parent(s)" line for rule #1 or another approach that empowers them to be responsible...We are kind to our bodies and therefore you need to go to sleep because yours needs rest.
Those of you with older children can laugh at that last line if you want but in the start of my 5th year of parenting this is working for me :).
Just thought I'd share. Summary: Simplify wherever you can and for our family, this works.
In our home we have three rules. Why? It makes it easier for me to remember and the kids actually know them and Gianna can recite them:
1. You must obey.
2. You must be kind.
3. Mama does what Mama says.
You must be kind also includes: You can't beat, bite, hit or otherwise hurt anyone in our family including your brother/sister. I sometimes remind them of this by saying: "We don't hurt other people in our family because that isn't kind."...attempting to link the action to rule #2.
I hope this still works as they age (again, because I can remember three rules). For example, we are kind to our own bodies, to our friends, etc. We don't have a set bed time mostly because they can't tell time. Generally, they go to bed between 7 and 730. But, when they are a little older and begin to argue with why it is bedtime I can come back to either rule 1 or 2. Use the "children obey your parent(s)" line for rule #1 or another approach that empowers them to be responsible...We are kind to our bodies and therefore you need to go to sleep because yours needs rest.
Those of you with older children can laugh at that last line if you want but in the start of my 5th year of parenting this is working for me :).
Just thought I'd share. Summary: Simplify wherever you can and for our family, this works.
PS - The photo is from our visit to the circus this past week. Kids had a blast. Gianna was analytical without smiles until we left and then announced that she loved it and didn't want to leave; Zade got to ride a pony and this was the highlight of his week! Both got snowcones and we even came in under budget for this event! We took our own glow in the dark arm bands. Auntie & Memae came too. Oh what fun!
